Frequently Asked Questions - Adults
What if someone is just thinking about sexual abuse and hasn't actually done anything wrong?
We work with people who have thoughts that are concerning for them and/or others. It is important to address these thoughts as early as possible. People can change the way they think and move to healthy, respectful thinking.
What if someone has a problem with pornography and needs help, can WellStop help them?
WellStop's focus is on harmful sexual behaviour. If someone is viewing objectionable/illegal material then WellStop's treatment programme does address this behaviour. If you someone is addicted to, or have has other associated problems with mainstream or legal pornography, then we may be able to refer you them on to an appropriate professional.
What if someone only looks at images of child abuse on the net, they're old images it's not like they're abusing anyone really, so it's not a problem, right?
Objectionable material such as child abuse images is a very real problem. Each time an image is viewed it can be re-traumatising for the victims.
Viewing this material can damage real life relationships, impact poorly on thinking and mood and on behaviour.
Finally, this behaviour is illegal and there are agencies such as the Department of Internal Affairs and Police who are continuing to monitor and hold people accountable for this offending.
Viewing this material can damage real life relationships, impact poorly on thinking and mood and on behaviour.
Finally, this behaviour is illegal and there are agencies such as the Department of Internal Affairs and Police who are continuing to monitor and hold people accountable for this offending.
What if someone is in trouble, the Police/Department of Internal Affairs have visited their house. Can you help them?
As a general rule WellStop does not begin an assessment or treatment whilst an investigation or court process is underway. However we can suggest counsellors or psychologists in private practice who can help with managing and coping during what can be a very difficult time.
A referral may be made to WellStop as an outcome of the court process or you may wish to self-refer once there is a clear outcome.
A referral may be made to WellStop as an outcome of the court process or you may wish to self-refer once there is a clear outcome.
What if you're not sure if the behaviour is sexual abuse or not?
If you are worried or concerned about your behaviour then WellStop can offer an information session to discuss the issue further.
Will WellStop report the behaviour to the Police or Oranga Tamariki?
WellStop is committed to preventing further harmful sexual behaviour and we will take appropriate steps to ensure victims and potential victims are protected.
Our confidentiality policy is clear and signed before a client comes into assessment and your own particular circumstances will be discussed with you at a pre-assessment meeting.
Our confidentiality policy is clear and signed before a client comes into assessment and your own particular circumstances will be discussed with you at a pre-assessment meeting.
Will WellStop tell a person's family or partner about what they have done or other issues, or make the person tell them?
WellStop understands that it can be really difficult for those who seek help from us to talk to the people in their family or circle about their behaviour and choices. We believe that success in the programme and on-going safety is enhanced by a strong support team.
We don't support secrets and we encourage transparency as a way of promoting safety. We support clients to identify support people and to engage with them in a safe way.
Finally, it is important that victims are offered the opportunity to receive support.
We don't support secrets and we encourage transparency as a way of promoting safety. We support clients to identify support people and to engage with them in a safe way.
Finally, it is important that victims are offered the opportunity to receive support.
What if I'm worried about the behaviour of another person?
The Police and Oranga Tamariki are the government agencies that handle allegations of sexual abuse. Their contact phone numbers are listed in the front section of the telephone directory. For more information about reporting, click here.
You are welcome to talk to WellStop about your concerns and how to respond and we encourage you to do so. As well, talk with someone you trust, you don't need to deal with this issue on your own.
You are welcome to talk to WellStop about your concerns and how to respond and we encourage you to do so. As well, talk with someone you trust, you don't need to deal with this issue on your own.
Does it cost for someone to get help from WellStop?
WellStop does ask clients to contribute to the cost of therapy, but we have some government contracts that can subsidise this on a means-tested basis, provided clients meet the criteria for inclusion on these contracts.
Clients on a benefit can apply to Work and Income for counselling costs to cover their contribution and the cost of travel. WellStop’s social workers can assist clients with this.
Clients on a benefit can apply to Work and Income for counselling costs to cover their contribution and the cost of travel. WellStop’s social workers can assist clients with this.
What if someone is so ashamed of what they've done, they are thinking of ending it all? What help is available?
The Ministry of Health has advice about what to do if you are supporting someone who is suicidal. There are Crisis Assessment and Treatment (CATT) teams who can respond in times of crisis.
In an emergency, where you have concern for yours or someone else's safety, contact the Emergency Services by calling 111.
In an emergency, where you have concern for yours or someone else's safety, contact the Emergency Services by calling 111.
