Russell mcveagh relationship update
*Content warning: sexual assault and harrassment.*
…
Kia ora students,
Over the past few months, with other Law Student Societies considering whether they would accept 2020 Client Interviewing funding from Russell McVeagh, VUWLSS has had to think about our relationship with the firm.
Early last year multiple allegations were made of sexual assault and harassment of student summer clerks at the Wellington office of Russell McVeagh in the 2015-2016 summer. Following, VUWLSS and all other Law Student Societies decided to cut ties with the firm to support and protect our students.
VUWLSS’s position has not changed.
When we became aware that other Law Student Societies were considering reforming a relationship with the firm, and possibly entering a period of consulting students on this, we considered whether this would be the right move for our student body.
Ultimately, we do not think it would be, it is too soon. Entering a consultation period signals consideration of a relationship. With it only being one year on from the Bazley Report, which emphasised the time it would take to enact culture change, we do not think considering a relationship is in the best interests of survivors of sexual assault and harassment, of which there are many on campus. We believe this is still our healing period and a change in stance should be made in our own time, not rushed due to external factors.
For any decision relating to sexual assault and harassment, we must hold the best interests of survivors as the first and paramount consideration. Sexual assault and harassment touches on the innermost dignity of a person and its effects can manifest in a variety of ways. We must respect the space survivors need from this at our University. Sexual assault and harassment is rife in our society, and it is generally treated with complacency. We hope to treat it with the magnitude it deserves. Otherwise, we risk disregarding the intensely negative effects these experiences can have on survivors’ lives.
We know that a number of our students are affiliated with the firm, and we want to express our support and encouragement for them as a crucial part of the change happening there.
VUWLSS is not moving towards a relationship yet because the student body is still healing, it’s in the best interests of survivors of sexual assault and harrassment, and we think we can encourage positive change without having a close relationship.
Aroha nui,
Amelia Vincent, VP Admin & Equity 2019 and the VUWLSS Executive.
There are a number of support services avaliable for victims and survivors of sexual assault and harrassment. These can be found at: https://www.victoria.ac.nz/students/support/student-interest-and-conflict-resolution/sexually-harmful-behaviours/support-for-survivorvictims.
For University based-complaints and services, the VUW Student Interest and Conflict Resolution Team can be contacted at studentinterest@vuw.ac.nz.
The Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association Student Advocate is 100 percent independent from the University and can help you understand your options, rights and responsibilities, and help raise an issue or make a complaint. You can email advocate@vuwsa.org.nz, call 04 463 6984 or text 022 563 6984, or visit the VUWSA Reception, Level 4, Student Union Building, Kelburn Campus.
For counselling support -
Wellington Sexual Abuse HELP: https://www.wellingtonhelp.org.nz/
Wellington Rape Crisis: https://wellingtonrapecrisis.org.nz/
Safe to Talk: 0800 044 334.
Contact the VUW Student Interest and Conflict Resolution Team for any form of assistance, and help getting ACC funded support: studentinterest@vuw.ac.nz
Hutt Valley Sexual Abuse Support & Healing: 0800 22 66 94.
Mauri Ora, Student Health & Counselling at VUW: 04 463 5308 to make an appointment.
…
Kia ora students,
Over the past few months, with other Law Student Societies considering whether they would accept 2020 Client Interviewing funding from Russell McVeagh, VUWLSS has had to think about our relationship with the firm.
Early last year multiple allegations were made of sexual assault and harassment of student summer clerks at the Wellington office of Russell McVeagh in the 2015-2016 summer. Following, VUWLSS and all other Law Student Societies decided to cut ties with the firm to support and protect our students.
VUWLSS’s position has not changed.
When we became aware that other Law Student Societies were considering reforming a relationship with the firm, and possibly entering a period of consulting students on this, we considered whether this would be the right move for our student body.
Ultimately, we do not think it would be, it is too soon. Entering a consultation period signals consideration of a relationship. With it only being one year on from the Bazley Report, which emphasised the time it would take to enact culture change, we do not think considering a relationship is in the best interests of survivors of sexual assault and harassment, of which there are many on campus. We believe this is still our healing period and a change in stance should be made in our own time, not rushed due to external factors.
For any decision relating to sexual assault and harassment, we must hold the best interests of survivors as the first and paramount consideration. Sexual assault and harassment touches on the innermost dignity of a person and its effects can manifest in a variety of ways. We must respect the space survivors need from this at our University. Sexual assault and harassment is rife in our society, and it is generally treated with complacency. We hope to treat it with the magnitude it deserves. Otherwise, we risk disregarding the intensely negative effects these experiences can have on survivors’ lives.
We know that a number of our students are affiliated with the firm, and we want to express our support and encouragement for them as a crucial part of the change happening there.
VUWLSS is not moving towards a relationship yet because the student body is still healing, it’s in the best interests of survivors of sexual assault and harrassment, and we think we can encourage positive change without having a close relationship.
Aroha nui,
Amelia Vincent, VP Admin & Equity 2019 and the VUWLSS Executive.
There are a number of support services avaliable for victims and survivors of sexual assault and harrassment. These can be found at: https://www.victoria.ac.nz/students/support/student-interest-and-conflict-resolution/sexually-harmful-behaviours/support-for-survivorvictims.
For University based-complaints and services, the VUW Student Interest and Conflict Resolution Team can be contacted at studentinterest@vuw.ac.nz.
The Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association Student Advocate is 100 percent independent from the University and can help you understand your options, rights and responsibilities, and help raise an issue or make a complaint. You can email advocate@vuwsa.org.nz, call 04 463 6984 or text 022 563 6984, or visit the VUWSA Reception, Level 4, Student Union Building, Kelburn Campus.
For counselling support -
Wellington Sexual Abuse HELP: https://www.wellingtonhelp.org.nz/
Wellington Rape Crisis: https://wellingtonrapecrisis.org.nz/
Safe to Talk: 0800 044 334.
Contact the VUW Student Interest and Conflict Resolution Team for any form of assistance, and help getting ACC funded support: studentinterest@vuw.ac.nz
Hutt Valley Sexual Abuse Support & Healing: 0800 22 66 94.
Mauri Ora, Student Health & Counselling at VUW: 04 463 5308 to make an appointment.