What is sexual abuse? 

Sexual abuse is any sort of non-consensual sexual contact, including between partners. 

Sexual abuse can include:

  • derogatory name-calling

  • refusal to use contraception

  • knowingly putting a person at risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

  • performing a sexual act with a child

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault describes a range of sex crimes including any unwanted or forced sexual act or behaviour.

Sexual assault may include:

  • rape (sexual intercourse without consent)

  • indecent assault (unwanted sexual touching)

  • acts of indecency (exposure).

A sexual assault offender is often known to the victim and can occur within relationships or marriages.

How to get help


If you are in immediate danger call 111. You can call on your mobile phone, even if the phone is out of credit.

 

Nelson Police

Location: 1 St John Street, Nelson

Hours: 7am to 7pm daily

Phone: (03) 546 3840


Click here for other police stations in Nelson

Blenheim Police

Location: 8 Main Street, Blenheim Central, Blenheim

Hours: 7am to 10pm daily

Phone: (03) 578 5279


Click here for other police stations in Marlborough

Sexual Abuse Support and Healing (SASH)

A 24-hour crisis service for people of all genders and their families, plus ongoing support


Nelson location: 329 Trafalgar Square, Nelson

Motueka location: Phoenix House, 25 Greenwood Street Motueka

Blenheim location: Maxwell Road, Blenheim (no walk-ins, exact address provided once appointment is confirmed)

 

Phone: 03 548 2407

Email: [email protected]

Website: sash.co.nz

Family Planning Blenheim

Provides confidential and non-judgemental sexual and reproductive health care.  


Location: Renown Building, 68 Seymour Street, Blenheim

Phone: (03) 578 3047

Website: www.familyplanning.org.nz

 

INP Medical Clinic

Sexual abuse service for adolescents and adults in Nelson and Marlborough.

Location: 18 Nile Street, Nelson

Phone: (03) 546 8155

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.inp.co.nz

Women's Refuge and Sexual Assault Resource Centre

Refuge for women and support services for those affected by sexual violence


Marlborough Women's Refuge & Sexual Violence Support Centre (Affiliated)

Location: 52 Scott Street, Blenheim

Crisis Phone: 0800 REFUGE

Office phone: (03) 577 9939

Email: [email protected] 


Nelson Women's Refuge Services 

Location: 1/60 Rutherford Street, Nelson City

Crisis phone: 0800 163 344

Office phone: (03) 544 0616

Email: [email protected] 

STOP

Provides community-based assessment and intervention services for children, adolescents and adults who have engaged in harmful or concerning sexual behaviour.

Contact: Maureen Lorimer, Clinical Manager

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (03) 546 6194 (Nelson office)

Website: www.stop.org.nz

Male Room

For victims of sexual abuse. Fortnightly peer group meetings and peer one on one as required or counselling. Video and telephone sessions to support men in the choices they want to make are available.

The Male Room is aligned with Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trust Aotearoa NZ – National organisation (MSSAT Nelson Marlborough).

Location: 28 St Vincent Street, Nelson 

Phone: (03) 548 0403

Email: [email protected]

Website: maleroom.co.nz