Victims of sexual abuse protest changes to New Zealand policies for treatment - only victims with mental illness will receive counseling

From The Dominion Post in New Zealand:

About 200 sexual abuse victims, therapists and supporters converged on Parliament and ACC's head office Oct. 19 to protest against ACC plans to limit sexual abuse counselling to those with a diagnosed mental illness.

From October 27, people who say they are the victims of sexual abuse will have to be diagnosed with a clinical mental disorder from the American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Version Four before their claims for ACC-funded counselling are accepted.

ACC has said the change was not significant as the corporation already requires proof of "significant mental injury".

However, protesters said the added stigma would put people off seeking help.

One woman, who is still having counselling and asked not to be named, said the change was "just not on".

"For three years I haven't left the house except to go to counselling, but today I got up and got the train [here] because what they're doing is so wrong."

ACC backed down last month on changes that would have forced sexual abuse victims to tell their stories to at least three different professionals to get funding.