Working with a lawyer
Tika provides a structured legal service to help people seek justice after experiencing sexual harm. Anyone aged 18+ can register with Tika. There are no time restrictions, meaning you are eligible regardless of whether you experienced sexual harm when you were a child, teenager, or adult.
Our approach is designed to be safe, clear, and empowering, ensuring you have access to high-quality legal advice and representation.
Registering as a Client
You start by registering as a client of Tika. You’ll be asked to provide some details about yourself, the person who harmed you, and the type of harm you experienced. To confirm your identity, you need to upload a photo of yourself and provide ID, like a passport or driver’s license. After your identity is confirmed, you can choose how often and in what way you want to receive updates from Tika.
Getting Legal Advice (If Enough People Register)
You’ll qualify for part 2 if two other people register with Tika and name the same person who harmed you. When this happens, Tika will notify you, but your names will not be shared with each other. You will then get legal advice about your options, which could involve reporting to NZ Police , filing a civil claim, a private mediation or joint counselling session with others in your group. After getting legal advice, everyone in your group votes on their preferred option.
Moving Forward Together (If Everyone Agrees)
You’ll move to part 3 if everyone in your group chooses the same option. If you can’t agree, you can vote again or put your file on hold and wait for more people to register with Tika who name the same perpetrator. When a group agrees, a lawyer will represent you all from start to finish. You’ll be identified to each other at the right time.
FAQs about working with a lawyer
Ability to Pause or Withdraw
You’re in control throughout the process. You can put your file on hold anytime if you need a break. You can also withdraw at any time and request Tika to delete all your information.
Proof of Your Identity
Tika asks you to prove your identity to protect you from people who register with Tika that are pretending to be someone they are not, like perpetrators, internet trolls, or others with bad intentions. This step helps keep you safe.
Wait Time
Tika cannot control how quickly or slowly you are connected with other clients who name the same person who harmed you. This could happen quickly or take months or even years.
If you don’t want to wait and prefer to take action by yourself, you can choose to report to the NZ Police. Tika can send the information you’ve already provided to the Police, who will then decide if they will investigate.
Other Options
If you’re not ready to take legal action, you can apply for counselling. Tika will provide you with information about available counselling services, including:
· Free short-term counselling from the Ministry of Social Development (a government agency).
· Free long-term counselling from ACC (another government agency).
· Private, paid counselling from a psychologist (ask your GP for a recommendation).
- Free short-term counselling from the Ministry of Social Development (a government agency).
- Free long-term counselling from ACC (another government agency).
- Private, paid counselling from a psychologist (ask your GP for a recommendation).