Workshop on sexual violence

Preventing and responding to sexual violence is the aim of a gathering of agencies at a workshop on Thursday.

The workshop is part of Rape Awareness Week and organised by Rape Crisis Dunedin.

Rape Crisis community educator Rachel Shaw said it was about being better educated on what agencies were doing in response to sexual violence and its prevention so that information could be passed on to ‘‘survivors''.

‘‘It's important, as when we all have knowledge of what we're doing, then we can provide better knowledge to people,'' Miss Shaw said.

‘‘Survivors will be getting the best possible service.''

Other Rape Awareness Week events would include a street appeal, clothing swap and a quiz night.

Te Ohaakii a Hine - National Network Ending Sexual Violence Together national primary prevention co-ordinator Rachel Fabish said the workshop would be a chance to share knowledge across areas of education, survivor services and the treatment of harmful sexual behaviour.

‘‘We want to break down misconceptions about sexual abuse and find ways to prevent sexual violence in all areas of our work,'' she said.

The workshop would be held at the Edgar Centre.

 ●Rape Crisis (03) 474-1592.

rhys.chamberlain@odt.co.nz