This article explores issues arising in the management of care of sexual abuse victims. The Sensitive Claims Unit of the Accident Rehabilitation and Compensation Insurance Corporation (ACC) accepts claims for the psychological effects of sexual abuse, and manages the treatment programmes for victims. The author discusses the risks for ACC staff working with sexual abuse victims, and suggests "vicarious traumatisation" and burnout are significant consequences. The article examines the influence of conflicting value systems within the Sensitive Claims Unit and how this can affect the way individual staff operate. The author posits that in order to manage the care of sexual abuse victims effectively, the wellbeing of staff working with this client group must be ensured.

New Zealand Journal of Counselling 19(1) 1998 : 43-53