New Zealand Law Society - Support for victims and those affected by prohibited behaviour
Help is available
If you or someone else has been affected by bullying, discrimination, harassment or other forms of prohibited behaviour, there is support and help available.
The Law Society provides the following options:
Vitae Legal Community Counselling service: phone 0508 664 981
You can access up to six free counselling sessions through Vitae. The service is available to anyone in a legal workplace including lawyers and non-lawyers.
It’s available 24/7. There are three ways to access it:
Law Care: phone 0800 0800 28
Use this confidential service to discuss sensitive matters with a Law Society staff member. Our specially trained staff can provide a range of options and support services to help you.
National Friends Panel Sensitive List
The National Friends Panel is made up of lawyers willing to be contacted on a confidential basis by other lawyers with questions or concerns relating to practice issues. The National Friends Panel Sensitive List is a list of lawyers who are available to discuss sensitive matters such as workplace bullying and harassment.
Contact details for the individual Friends are available on the Law Society website, and you can reach out to them directly.
Other options for support
The Human Rights Commission has a specific guide on dealing with sexual harassment. The Commission also offers a free, confidential service for anyone enquiring or complaining about discrimination, racial or sexual harassment – 0800 496 7877.
Other resources and organisations that can assist in relation to sexual harassment and assault:
You may also have access to free confidential services or support schemes through your employer, such as an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
If you are a union member you may wish to contact your union and see what support they are able to offer you.
Further information:
Fact sheet: downloadable and printable