(file image) Photo: 123RF
A Christchurch organisation supporting survivors of family harm and sexual violence is calling out concerning attitudes and behaviour in its latest campaign.
Aviva sexual violence service manager Jo Bader said the campaign was about sexual consent.
The "Asking for it ... to stop" campaign was unveiled on Wednesday morning as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The 2023 New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey showed 1.1 million adults had reported experiencing at least one act of sexual assault.
Bader said everybody had a role in combatting sexual violence.
"The thing that I always think about in the issue of sexual violence in this country, which is really at intolerably high levels, is that it's actually solvable."
General manager Gwenda Kendrew said people needed to speak up when they witnessed concerning behaviour.
"It's a truth that many of us find uncomfortable, but the reality is that we receive referrals every single day related to sexual violence across Canterbury. As a community, we cannot afford to look the other way."
Sexual violence thrived in a society where unhealthy attitudes and behaviours were allowed to continue, Kendrew said.
"If you see or hear behaviours that allude to unhealthy sexual attitudes, caring enough to speak up makes a huge difference," she said.
Aviva had helped more than 50,000 people since it was established five decades ago.
Where to get help
Victim Support 0800 842 846
Rape Crisis 0800 88 33 00
HELP Call 24/7 (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): 04 801 6655 - push 0 at the menu
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) 022 344 0496
AVIVA. For 24/7 support in Canterbury: 0800 AVIVA NOW (0800 28482 669)
