Surviving Sexual Abuse by Police Officers: A Conversation with Louise Nicholas
Please note: This webinar is not eligible for continuing education (CE) credit due to its informal, conversational format. Participants who attend the full live session will, however, receive a Certificate of Attendance. Also, the webinar recording will be made available for viewing through the On-Demand Webinar Library within 7-10 days following the live event.
This webinar is mainly for professionals working in the sexual violence and abuse field, particularly those involved in supporting survivors through legal, therapeutic, or advocacy processes. This includes clinicians, therapists, and counselors who work directly with survivors, legal system professionals such as attorneys, judges, court personnel, and victim advocates, and victim services and advocacy organization staff.
Louise Nicholas is a New Zealand author and campaigner for the rights of women who have been victims of sexual violence. As a young adult, she was sexually assaulted by serving members of the police force in New Zealand and endured justice system processes that included two deposition hearings and five court cases. Her pursuit of justice lasted for years.
Despite withstanding deplorable courtroom conduct by attorneys, Louise went on to raise public awareness of the harms of abuse. She co-authored a book and has lectured on her experiences at the international level. She now liaises with survivors, their families, and communities. Ms. Nicholas represents survivor perspectives in the development of services within the sexual violence and abuse services sector. Ms. Nicholas was voted the NZ Herald’s New Zealander of the Year 2007 and was placed in the top 10 as one of “New Zealand’s Living Treasures.”
In this webinar, Ms. Nicholas discusses her experiences, with a focus on the needs and rights of survivors, particularly as they encounter the legal system. Her intent is to empower others to speak out against abuse and injustice.
Who's Presenting
Louise Nicholas ONZM
In her own words, Louise is first and foremost a wife and mother. She is married to Ross and together they have four children. Louise has received the NZ Herald of the Year award in 2007; was awarded the Governor Generals ANZAC Award in 2015; was made an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit (ONZM) in the 2015 Queens Birthday Honours; received the New Zealander of the Year Local Hero Award 2015; and was a finalist in the 2016 New Zealander of the Year Awards. Louise was one of 50 women in New Zealand who received the Woman of Achievement Award from Zonta International and also received their Human Rights Award. In 2023, she founded the Louise Nicholas Trust, supporting Survivors and their families through the criminal justice system. The Trust has 4 staff working within the courts of New Zealand.