Sexual Assault and Abuse

Sexual assault is a crime of power and control. The term 'sexual assault' refers to sexual contact or behaviour that occurs without the explicit consent of the victim. Sexual assault can occur to either males or females and at any age. It can take various forms and can also involve physical assault and assault/abuse while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Description

A sexual assault/abuse service is provided by Te Whatu Ora South Canterbury under the Sexual Abuse Assessment and Treatment Services (SAATS) contract with ACC and the NZ Police.

Clinicians are accredited by Medical Sexual Assault Clinicians (MEDSAC).

The service provides an acute and historical assessment service, forensic and non-forensic, covering adult, adolescent and children and works in partnership with Paediatricians and other specialities as required.

Location

Timaru Hospital
Queen Street
Timaru

Contact Information

Phone: 03 687 2100

Referral Information

Urgent referrals are directed to the SAATS clinician on-call via the Timaru Hospital main telephonist.

Historical referrals can be discussed with the clinician on-call.