The history of VisAble
An initial service was established in July 2023 within Whaikaha, the Ministry of Disabled People, with a focus on safeguarding and prevention.
A year later (July 2024), the new service then became an independent, disability-people-led, not-for-profit (NFP) organisation, called VisAble. In that period, we assisted disabled people, their whānau, and the services who supported them to detect and prevent violence, neglect and abuse - including sexual abuse.
With funding from Whaikaha and the Ministry of Social Development, VisAble established and ran effective safeguarding / whakahaumarutia services and started our mahi (work) in building other organisations’ capability in detecting, responding to and preventing violence, abuse and neglect.
Our mahi was driven by survivors’ stories and experiences, courageously shared by them to inform the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.
As part of our response, in 2024 VisAble initiated ground-breaking research into Child to Parent Violence and Abuse (CPVA) and has since produced reports and resources to support parents, caregivers and whānau and to inform and advise professionals. We’ve established a peer support group for parents, caregivers and whānau, and we run training on CPVA for organisations. Our work is receiving international attention.
With funding from Te Puni Aonui (now known as the Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention), VisAble has also facilitated kōrero (conversations) and hui (workshops) with disabled people, asking directly about their insights and experiences when trying to access (often mainstream) services, so we could learn about what barriers they face and what would make a difference for them.
This data helps inform Te Aorerekura - National Strategy and Action Plan to Eliminate Family Violence and Sexual Violence. It’s also intended to help organisations shape policies and improve practices, enabling improved access to services and more inclusive services for disabled people.
We’re proud of the progress and achievements we made in those first two years.
We have a big vision, a dedicated team, and important mahi (work) to deliver.
Find out about our current services.