Families encouraged to ask for help

 

Local families are being encouraged to ask for help if they feel things are getting out of control over the Christmas and New Year period.

“This can be a really stressful time for families, and unfortunately it’s not unusual for there to be a spike in family violence,” says Quentin Jukes of Homebuilders Family Services.

“There are some fantastic groups able to offer support to families under stress in our area. Help is available, and we are inviting people to ask for that help if they think their own behaviour or that of a friend or family member is putting someone at risk.”

“We know that financial pressure and alcohol can add to peoples stress, but they are no excuse for violent or abusive behaviour. Everybody has the right to feel safe at home and we are encouraging people to remember that it’s ok to ask for help,” says Mr Jukes.

Across the North Rodney/Otamatea area there is currently an “it’s not OK – but it is ok to ask for help” Family Violence Champions project running, with 12 local people speaking out to promote the “it’s ok to ask for help” message.

Local Family Violence Champion Eddie Peters is encouraging people to speak out and protect children.

“If you are concerned about a child do something – don’t assume others are. The research shows children are badly affected by violence in the home, even if they are in another room.”

“Family violence is everyone business, and no one deserves to be hurt” says Mr Peters. “It’s not Ok to blame alcohol or money troubles, there’s no excuse for abusing anyone, least of all the people we love. I want to encourage anyone needing help to reach out and ask for it.”

The North Rodney/Otamatea Family Violence Champions project runs until the end of February.

n Homebuilders Family Services (North Rodney), phone (09) 425 70487, homebuildersfs.org.

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Local family violence referrals made easier

A new local family violence referral flow chart has just been launched in the Rodney/Otamatea area and is being heralded as a first for New Zealand.

The flow chart has been developed as part of the Family Violence Champions project running now.

Oriel Heseltine of Hestia Womens Refuge says they are very positive about the new referral flow chart. “It’s really practical and easy to use and has a lot of great tips about how to support someone who has disclosed that they have been abused.”

“This is a great resource,” says Homebuilders Family Services coordinator Quentin Jukes. “It’s going to be incredibly useful for local police, individuals and community organisations who might find themselves needing to assist someone around family violence.”

Mr Jukes he would love to see every shop and sports club in the North Rodney and Otamatea areas with a chart on their wall.

People can access the referral chart for free by emailing the Te Rito Rodney Family violence prevention network on teritorodney@gmail.com.