Child sexual abuse survivors share their stories of struggle and triumph | Survivors Full Episode

One in three girls in New Zealand may be sexually abused before they turn 16, and the statistics are worse for boys. Although there are no specific statistics for Pacific communities, sexual abuse is common, and child abuse survivors are calling for more awareness and open communication in the hopes of protecting our children.

Host Alistar Kata chats with Inu Akerei Maresala-Thomson, Co-Founder of award-winning app MyRivr, Utumo'u Kaisalina Mealamu, a public servant and former youth worker, and Uipo Uipo Tagaloasa, Ōtāhuhu businessman of Bettalifestyle Fitness.

Disclaimer: This talanoa deals with sensitive content about sexual abuse.

If you suspect a child is being abused, call your local police or contact Oranga Tamariki–Ministry for Children on 0508 Family or 0508 326 459
Email: contact@ot.govt.nz
Help Auckland – Auckland Sexual Abuse Help Foundation – 0800 623 1700 (24 hour confidential phone line)
Le Va – Need to talk? Freetext or call 1737 to connect with a trained mental health professional.
Mapu Maia – Freephone 0800 21 21 22
Safe To Talk – Freephone 0800 044 334 (Sexual Harm Helpline)
Village Collective - villagecollective.org.nz
MyRivr App - trustmyrivr.co.nz