MEDSAC was formed at a time when medical professionals had no training, protocols, or guidelines suitable to address the complex and varied needs of people disclosing recent or historic sexual assault or abuse. This resulted in MEDSAC developing a sub-specialty of medicine.
Prior to the establishment of the Sexual Abuse Assessment and Treatment Service (SAATS) in 2006, most forensic medical sexual assault assessment services were provided by MEDSAC trained clinicians – often at Police stations – on voluntary rosters, who individually invoiced NZ Police for each examination.
Now people affected by sexual assault or abuse in Aotearoa New Zealand are served by SAATS, the specialist medical and forensic care service which is provided by appropriately qualified clinicians, trained and accredited by MEDSAC.
1988 – Doctors for Sexual Abuse Care (DSAC) formed
DSAC was formed in 1988 as a national organisation of doctors to advance knowledge, and improve the standards of medical care for those affected by sexual assault/abuse. DSAC was:
managed by a President
governed by an Executive Committee who were elected annually, and
supported by regional liaison doctors who fostered DSAC activities throughout Aotearoa.
2006 – Development of the Sexual Abuse Assessment and Treatment Service (SAATS)
In November 2006, DSAC played an integral role in the development of the Sexual Abuse Assessment and Treatment Service (SAATS). Clinicians working within SAATS provide therapeutic medical care and forensic examinations for any person who may have experienced sexual assault or abuse. DSAC acted as the key medical forensic advisor to these services, providing training, accreditation and support to the clinicians working within them.
2017 – DSAC renamed Medical Sexual Assault Clinicians Aotearoa, or MEDSAC
Over the years, DSAC grew to include a wider group of healthcare professionals with clinical experience in many disciplines, including:
general practice
nursing
paediatrics
obstetrics and gynaecology, and
sexual healthcare.
This led to a new name and identity – MEDSAC – which was more reflective of our vibrant, diverse and growing membership. And, although our name changed, our core purpose stayed the same. We remain committed to providing support to those affected by sexual assault and abuse.
2021 – Development of the Non-Fatal Strangulation and/or Suffocation Assessment Service (NFSSAS)
In 2021, following the formalisation of the new offence of strangulation/suffocation, MEDSAC was contracted to design and develop a Non-Fatal Strangulation and/or Suffocation Assessment Service (NFSSAS) and an accompanying education and accreditation programme. The programme ensures clinicians can provide expert medical forensic assessments and medico-legal reports of NFSS, particularly in the context of intimate partner violence (IPV). MEDSAC was also engaged to administer the NFSSAS service delivery contracts on behalf of Te Whatu Ora.
2024 – MEDSAC becomes a Charitable Trust
Following a robust process and legal advice from expert charity lawyers ParryField Lawyers, the MEDSAC Board proposed to change our legal structure from an incorporated society to a charitable trust. This was voted upon at a Special General Meeting held on 26 September 2024, and the motion to wind up the incorporated society and transition to charitable trust status passed with over 90% approval. The Deed of Trust establishing MEDSAC as a charitable trust was signed on 31 October 2024.