Exploring access improvements to sexual violence system and ISSC
We are evolving the way we support survivors of sexual violence through the Integrated Services for Sensitive Claims (ISSC). As part of this effort, we’re partnering with Whakarongorau Aotearoa | New Zealand Telehealth Services. We’re exploring how we can create a more effective entryway into the sexual violence system.
We will work together with Whakarongorau over the next 12 months to design a single-entry point for sexual abuse survivors to access help and support. This will include a supported pathway to access ISSC.
Whakarongorau operates Safe to talk, a sexual harm support service. Safe to talk enables affected people to get advice from trained specialists and to be connected to community support services. Ministry of Social Development funds this national, free, 24/7 service. The service offers support via text, webchat, phone, SMS, email and their website.
This provides an exciting opportunity to look at how we can create a pathway into ISSC through Safe to talk.
The key areas we will be exploring with Whakarongorau are:
Developing a central entry point
How Safe to talk could be the front door for ISSC, and how this would work in practice. For example:
- how would people contact the service
- what would be their experience when they contact the service
- how would they be referred to ISSC
- how would the handover to an ISSC supplier/provider process work.
Greater understanding of provider availability
Enabled by digital solutions within the front door, explore how to monitor the capacity of ISSC providers. This is to ensure survivors can be referred to ISSC suppliers who have providers with capacity to take on new clients.
A consistent, easier way to manage waitlists
A waitlist management platform at either a national or regional level, where the front door could:
- manage the waitlist
- maintain contact with survivors while they wait to engage with an ISSC Supplier.
Currently, Whakarongorau is in the research and discovery phase of this initiative. Between November 2023 and June 2024 they will begin designing and engaging on the proposed solution, incorporating feedback from key stakeholder groups. Following the design period, further work will determine the best solution to take forward to develop and implement. A go live date will be set once that solution is determined. Until a new solution is ready to implement, Find Support will continue to be available.