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On Wednesday, we let you know that the Royal Commission delivered its final report (Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light) to the Governor-General, Her Excellency The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro. Whanaketia has now been provided to Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden.
 
In her press release, Minister Van Velden said the coalition Government welcomes the presentation of the final report.

She also said, “I want to personally acknowledge the significant contribution of nearly 3,000 survivors who shared their experiences of abuse and neglect over the last five years. My heart goes out to you, your families, and your support networks. This would not have been an easy process, and we acknowledge your courage.”

The media release also says “the report and the recommendations will be made public when the report is presented to Parliament during the next sitting week, on Wednesday 24 July. Ministers and parties will respond to the report at 4pm.”

You can see a full copy of the press release here: Government receives final report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care

We know this could be a challenging time.  We encourage survivors to make sure you are doing what you need to in order to look after your own wellbeing.

Help and support services

Survivors who were registered with the Royal Commission can reach out to our Contact and Support Centre if you want to discuss any questions or well-being support options.

You can call us on 0800 222 727 or email us at contact@abuseincare.org.nz. Call us from Australia on free phone 1800 875 745. Write to us at PO Box 10071, Wellington 6140. Visit our website www.abuseincare.org.nz.

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111. Or if you need to talk to someone else:

• Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797 or online chat for people dealing with an alcohol or other drug problem; 10 am to 10 pm
• Anxiety phone line 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY)
• Depression Helpline 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions)
• Family Services 211 Helpline 0800 211 211 for help finding (and direct transfer to) community based health and social support services in your area.
• HELP 0800 623 1700 preventing sexual abuse and supporting survivors 24/7.
• Lifeline 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
• Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Aotearoa New Zealand Support services for male survivors of sexual abuse. Refer to website for the support organisation nearest to you.
• Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
• OUTline NZ 0800 688 5463 (OUTLINE) provides confidential telephone support for sexuality or gender identity issues; 9 am to 9 pm weekdays, and 6 pm to 8 pm weekends)
• Rape Crisis 0800 883 300 (for support after rape or sexual assault)
• Safe to talk (Available 24/7) 0800 044 334, free txt 4334, email support@safetotalk.nz, live webchat on www.safetotalk.nz. Free and confidential information and support from trained counsellors for people affected by sexual harm in any way.
• Samaritans 0800 726 666.
• Shine 0508 744 633, free to call from any phone in NZ, and taking calls 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Call for confidential support, information, advice and referrals.
• Skylight, 0800 299 100 for trauma, loss and grief; 9am–5pm weekdays.
• SNAP - Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests Providing peer support for women and men wounded by religious and institutional authorities
• Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).
• Supporting Families in Mental Illness For families and whānau supporting a loved one who has a mental illness. Auckland 0800 732 825. 
• Victim Support This free service provides emotional and practical support, information, financial assistance, referral to other support services and advocacy for the rights of victims.
• Wellington HELP 0800 FOR HELP supports anyone and everyone who has been impacted by sexual violence. Call anytime.
• Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat