2025 Rape Awareness Week | Free Sausage Sizzle at the Local Sunday Bootsale
Wairarapa Rape &
Sexual Abuse Collective Inc
Supporting Sexual Abuse Survivors within the Wairarapa Region
OUR STORY
HOW WE CAN HELP
RESOURCES
SUPPORT OPTIONS
Supporting Survivors, Empowering Communities
At Wairarapa Rape & Sexual Abuse Collective, we provide specialised support to survivors of sexual violence across the Wairarapa region. As a non-profit, community-driven organisation, we are dedicated to offering confidential services and sexual violence prevention education. Whether you’re seeking support or looking to help, we’re here for you. Reach out today, we’re ready to listen.
About us
Since 1986, we’ve stood alongside survivors as part of the National Collective of Rape Crisis and related groups - Ngā Whiitiki Whānau Āhuru Mōwai o Aotearoa. Our work is grounded in aroha, manaakitanga, and a deep commitment to creating a safe, supportive space for healing.
We’re here to uplift, advocate, and walk alongside anyone impacted by sexual harm in the Wairarapa region and beyond.
Break the silence, reach out today
Our Services
Our services are completely free and confidential, offering support to survivors of both recent and historical sexual violence. We also provide assistance to friends and whānau who may need guidance during their loved one's journey to healing.
Information for Survivors
If you’ve experienced sexual harm, please know this: it is not your fault. We believe you. Everyone processes trauma in their own way. You might be feeling shock, sadness, anger, or struggling to sleep or connect with others. These are all common reactions. Healing takes time, and there’s no set timeline for when or how that happens. However you're feeling right now, you don’t have to face it alone. We're here to support you with care and understanding.
Information for Whānau & Friends
If you are a friend or loved one of a survivor of sexual violence, you have a crucial role to play in that person's recovery.
What you say and the things you do have a huge influence.
We have created resources to equip you for this journey.
SURVIVORS
WHANAU
FRIENDS
SERVICES
Self Care for Survivors
Whether your experience of abuse was recent or happened many years ago, having a well-thought-out action plan for your healing and recovery process is very important. We offer practical resources to help you show yourself the compassion, tenderness, and kindness that you truly deserve to support your journey towards healing.
Survivor Stories
In their own words: New Zealand rape survivors share their journeys of healing and recovery
Hear from New Zealand Rape Survivors in Their Own Words
How Rape Survivors Heal and Recover from Sexual Abuse
Break the silence
Hear from our coordinator, Michelle Ihaka
Michelle shares what we do and why it matters. We provide specialist, 24-hour free and confidential crisis support for anyone in our community affected by sexual harm, whether it’s recent or something from the past.
Our support is available to anyone, whether you’ve experienced harm yourself or you’re supporting someone who has, like a whānau member, friend, or caregiver.
We're here. You’re not alone.
Welcome to Wairarapa Rape & Sexual Abuse Collective
Speakers: Ma & Michelle
Get to know who we are and the heart behind the Collective. In this introduction, Marlene and Michelle explain our purpose, the services we offer, and the support we provide in the Wairarapa community. A helpful overview for anyone new to what we do.
What is Rape & Sexual Abuse, Child Abuse
Speakers: Michelle & Ma
This important discussion unpacks the legal definitions of rape, sexual abuse, and child abuse. Michelle and Ma help clarify what these terms mean and how they relate to the broader picture of sexual harm, essential viewing for building understanding and awareness.
After a Sexual Assault
Speakers: Ma, Michelle & guest: Detective Sergeant Rachel Casbolt
What happens after a sexual assault? We’re joined by Detective Sergeant Rachel Casbolt from the Police’s Adult Sexual Assault and Child Protection team. She outlines what survivors can expect from the reporting process and how the police provide support.
Stages of Healing
Speaker: Michelle
Michelle walks us through the stages of healing after sexual harm. This episode gently explores how recovery is different for everyone and offers insight into the emotional journey many survivors go through. A compassionate guide for anyone supporting themselves or a loved one.
Let’s Talk About Rape & Sexual Abuse, Let’s Talk About Our Body
Speakers: Michelle & Ma
Michelle and Ma introduce two new educational booklets for caregivers and parents: Let’s Talk About Rape & Sexual Abuse and Let’s Talk About Our Body. They also highlight the SAVE (Sexual Abuse Violence Education) programme in schools and how it supports open, age-appropriate conversations.
Rape awareness week
"I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become."
"You took away my worth, my privacy, my energy, my time, my safety, my intimacy, my confidence, my own voice. until now."
Are you ready to take the next step?
Contact
Floor 3 Departmental Building, 35-37 Chapel Street, Masterton
0800 614 614 (24/7)
06 370 8446
Office hours 8.30 AM - 2.30 PM Monday - Friday, please call as appointments are preferred