Criminal pathway Ensuring a survivor’s safety and privacy If the complaint meets the legal threshold for criminal investigation, survivors may choose to pursue a criminal complaint with police. Making such a complaint can be done by: The Commission has experience supporting a wide range of people with sensitive human rights complaints as well as expertise in supporting people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics. • calling 111 if someone is in immediate danger or a crime or incident is happening now • calling 105 or using the 105 online form if an incident has already happened and no one is in immediate danger. Police have relationships with groups, such as Victim Support, who provide services that can help the survivor through the process if their complaint is progressed. Through this pathway the person who performed the conversion practice could face a prison term of up to three years. The Commission also met with a diverse range of conversion practice survivors to ensure front-line staff have an understanding of, and empathy with, those who have lived experience of conversion practices. No information shared with the Commission’s frontline team during the process of making a report or complaint will be shared without permission. Next steps as a mental health professional Know the process Educate yourself Have a clear written policy and procedure to follow in instances of client disclosure. These are key to ensuring everyone’s safety and can be easily referred to when professional knowledge is limited. Creating these policies and procedures collaboratively can also build professional capability in this area. Having a solid understanding of conversion practices and related information is vital for mental health professionals to be able to identify and effectively address issues and to provide informed and affirming care. Stay up-to-date with research, guidelines, and resources from reputable sources to ensure your practice is evidence-based and aligned with ethical and professional standards. Reflect on your practice space Consider the physical, emotional and cultural aspects of your practice space. Are there visible signs of inclusivity, such posters or literature affirming of LGBTQIA+, takatāpui Māori and MVPFAFF+ Pasifika identities? Are your policies and procedures supportive of clients in these communities? Are your intake forms inclusive of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations? It is crucial for a client to be able to recognise your practice space as “safe” for them. The Practice Guide: Developing Rainbow Inclusive Practice at www.rainbowmentalhealth.com offers useful considerations and suggestions. 88 Conversion Practices Guidance for mental health professionals It’s also important to stay updated with issues affecting LGBTQIA+, takatāpui Māori and MVPFAFF+ Pasifika communities. More Aotearoa-based studies and research projects on conversion practices are now being conducted. Share your knowledge Discussing this issue in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner can foster a supportive environment for learning and growth. Share resources, articles or research findings with your colleagues to increase their understanding of conversion practices, their harmful effects and what the law says about conversion practices. Encourage colleagues to seek further education or training on affirmative care and conversion practices.