About START

START provides specialist services for children, youth and adults who have experienced sexual violence, alongside support for their families and whānau and information for the wider community.

We are an independent Ōtautahi/Christchurch based social service agency that was established in 1987 by three women to attend to a particular gap in services in Canterbury. At that time there was no counselling service specifically tailored to the needs of children and youth who disclosed sexual abuse.

STARTs services include:

Counselling
Consultation and Social Work
Education

Clinical staff are all trained and qualified members of appropriate professional bodies. START employs ACC accredited counsellors and eligible counselling fees are funded by ACC. Those ineligible for ACC fee cover may be eligible for subsidised counselling support.

Consultations and family support services are provided free to clients. START is committed to providing accessible, holistic and professional support services.

Our therapeutic services are provided from a comfortable suburban house in Mairehau which nestles into the neighbourhood. This relaxing healing environment is well served with a carpark, bike stands and a bus route about 10 mins walk away. START can travel to different organisations to provide education sessions.

START also partners with Aviva’s 24/7 Sexual Violence Crisis Service for adults. They can be contacted by telephone (03) 3775402.

While established by Pākēhā women, START responds to requests for services from all parties (genders, ethnicities, abilities and ages) and seeks support and guidance from external specialists as appropriate to undertake their work.

START is a Charitable Trust and is governed by a voluntary Board.

How Can We Help?

Our Services

Counselling

When parents/caregivers have concerns about the impact of sexual abuse they benefit from having someone to discuss these with

Consultation

Consultations with our specialist sexual abuse staff are available to anyone upon request by contacting START by phone or our contact form

Education

START provides low-cost educational workshops, seminars and courses regarding matters related to sexual abuse