FAQ
How will my privacy be protected?
All members of the #MeToo Collective are clients of barrister and solicitor Zoë Lawton and are protected by lawyer client privilege. This means that your identity and information about your experience will only be shared with other members you match with if you provide consent. Matched members are required to keep all information disclosed by other matched members confidential.
How does the identity verification process work?
All members who match with another member and choose to share their identities must have their identity verified using secure automated identify verification software APLYiD. This ensures that no one can impersonate another person in order to join the #MeToo Collective and obtain access to members' information.
Is there a fee to join?
There is no fee to join the #MeToo Collective which includes the registration process, matching with others members and preliminary legal advice on the available reporting processes. If you wish to receive specific legal advice as a group you will be referred to a lawyer and will need to pay for this. However, the cost will be split between the group so it will be less expensive than receiving advice as an individual. Alternatively you can report without the assistance of a lawyer - legal representation is not a requirement for any reporting processes.
How do I provide evidence as a witness?
Witnesses who are willing to provide evidence are able to register with the #MeToo Collective. The identities of any witnesses who have registered with the #MeToo Collective will be disclosed to matched members first. Matched members are not required to disclose their identities to witnesses or agree to their involvement in the reporting process if they choose not to. All communication with witnesses is managed by me and/or the referral lawyer.
What if I change my mind after I register?
You can choose to withdraw from the #MeToo Collective at any stage of the process. If you choose to withdraw after you have been matched with other people you must keep their identities and the information they shared with you confidential.
What happens if I don't match with another member?
Everyone who experiences sexual harassment and assault comes forward when they are ready which can take weeks, months or years. If you don't receive a match you can opt to remain in the #MeToo Collective or be referred to a lawyer and receive advice for your individual circumstances.
Nura Taefi
Member, Lawyer Panel
Nura is an experienced litigator in employment law, human rights law (in particular sexual harassment) and privacy law.
Jane Glover
Member, Lawyer Panel
Jane is an experienced litigator with experience in human rights law (in particular sexual harassment) and professional disciplinary body complaints.
Laura Carter
Member, Lawyer Panel
Laura is an experienced litigator and the current president of the Auckland Women Lawyers' Association.
What if I change my mind after I register?
You can choose to withdraw from the #MeToo Collective at any stage of the process. If you choose to withdraw after you have been matched with other members who have shared their identities and personal information with you then you must keep this confidential.
What if I don't match with another member?
Everyone who experiences sexual harassment and assault comes forward when they are ready which can take weeks, months or years. If you don't match with another member after 1 year and decide you want to report as an individual, you will be assigned a #MeToo Collective lawyer.