Victims of sexual abuse and rape are waiting months for counselling because of delays in the processing of claims by the Accident Compensation Corporation.
Figures obtained by Radio New Zealand show a sharp rise in the number of claims pending in some parts of the country.
In Auckland, the number of decisions pending in what are termed sensitive cases, rose by 100 from April to August, while the number of claims accepted dropped from 34 to five.
ACC says it can't explain these statistics, but says a new system being introduced next month will offer a speedier service.
The Association of Psychotherapists says claimants are being forced to wait months for counselling as a result and put their lives on hold.
