We have learned about these issues from survivors, people who have tried to access ACC, and from the 2018 report about survivor experiences with ACC from 2018open_in_new (PDF, 2.6MB).
In December 2024 ACC launched a new sensitive claims service that aims to help sexual assault and abuse survivors get ACC-funded therapy and supports more quickly and easily, and reduce some of the issues described on this page.
Learn more about the new ACC sensitive claims processopen_in_new.
ACC’s Navigation Services give free, independent advice or guidance on how to use ACC. There is also Te Ara Tuhono – a Kaupapa Māori Navigation Service, delivered through Māori providers.
Find out more about ACC’s Navigation Servicesopen_in_new.
We encourage you to find the support that is right for you. We also have some suggestions about support for your wellbeing and support to help you with the claims process
The process for making an ACC claim means you are expected to get treatment for your physical or mental injury first and then ask your health provider to make a claim for you.
Most registered health providers will have experience with lodging ACC claims on behalf of their patients.
But some survivors found that when they visited their health provider for treatment, the health provider did not have experience with helping survivors of abuse receive ACC support, and did not lodge a claim or did so incorrectly.’
Some survivors found that when they visited their health provider for treatment, the health provider did not have experience with helping survivors of abuse receive ACC support, and did not lodge a claim or did not do so correctly.
Your health provider may need you to talk about what happened to lodge a claim. Some survivors said it was distressing talking to their health provider about what happened to them and how it affected them.
Find out what support is availableopen_in_new.
ACC may need you to have assessments by a health provider, to confirm some conditions or injuries, including mental injuriesopen_in_new.
This is because unfortunately, ACC will provide some types of support only with confirmation that the condition or injury is affecting you.
Learn more about how to access ACC support for sexual abuse and assault.open_in_new
ACC will usually request your medical records for your assessments. You do not have to request the medical records yourself. With your consent, ACC will do this on your behalf.
There are sometimes delays in ACC receiving these records, which might mean it takes longer for them to decide what ACC cover you are entitled to.
Weekly compensation payments are available if you were in paid employment when your injury happened (for example, when you first started experiencing anxiety or depression), and when you first received treatment.
If you were not in paid employment when you were injured, you may be eligible for Loss of Potential Earnings (LOPE) weekly payments. This involves assessments to work out whether you could work in a job matching your training, experience and education.
If you made a sensitive claim, your therapist may recommend you get a Specialist Cover Assessmentopen_in_new to determine whether you are eligible for these payments.
Find out more about the types of financial support ACC offersopen_in_new.
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