New website 'Em' provides information and resources for young women around sexual harm

Em is designed to embrace, empower and provide empathy for young women in relation to sexual harm in any form.

Em (http://www.dearem.nz) was developed by Auckland HELP, a specialist support organisation for sexual abuse survivors, with social change agency Curative. The content of the website was co-designed with a group of young women.

Em offers free information, resources, strategies, tips and links to professional services. A key focus of the website is to help young women recognise sexual harm and what to do if they experience sexual harm or how to help a friend or family member.

Eddy Royal from Curative said “Em is a safe and trusted environment where young women can learn, grow and feel inspired, building a trusted relationship where they know where to seek information or help when needed.”

Em provides information and strategies including:

• Dealing with emotions, mindfulness, goal setting and coping with flashbacks
• Calming techniques, building relationships, gratitude and meditation
• Exercise ideas, healthy eating and better sleep

HELP’s Lucy Scott said “The statistics are not okay. Change needs to be made now and Em is at the forefront of that change. Educating and creating conversation at a wider scope, beyond those who have personally experienced abuse is so important as it will generate greater understanding, more support and far less judgement. Our young women can and will be the force for change.”

Related media

Te Ohaakii A Hine - National Network Ending Sexual Violence Together (TOAH-NNEST) recently issued a call to Government and the Children’s Commissioner to prioritise child sexual violence.