Media release EMBARGOED MIDDAY 4 SEPT
4 September 2007

Families Commission calls on public to make it clear family violence is not OK

The Families Commission says it is time for all New Zealanders to take action and make it absolutely clear that violence within families is not OK.

“Many people look to government to “do something” about family violence, but this is not a problem that the Government can fix on its own,” said Chief Commissioner Rajen Prasad at the launch of the campaign for Action on Family Violence.

The campaign being launched today is led by the Families Commission and the Ministry of Social Development in partnership with communities around the country. It is part of the programme of action developed by the Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families of which the Commission is a member.

“The Commission is taking a leading role in this campaign because so many families are directly affected. I believe it will help each of us to focus on what we can do to put a stop to family violence. It will give us a common understanding of the types of violence being used within families, and direct us to information that explains the steps we can take to help ourselves, and others,” he said.

“Whether you are at home, in a pub, an office, at a university, in a wool shed, a cow shed, or at a sports match - everyone must be very clear about what sort of behaviour within families is acceptable and what is not. And we must all know how to seek help and how to help others. This campaign, backed by extensive work in communities around New Zealand, seeks to change the way people act and think about family violence.”

Dr Prasad said the campaign is based on evidence which shows that promoting a culture of non-violence needs a systematic, integrated approach involving all sections of society.

“Our own research helped us understand more about some of the specific issues involved. The Families Commission publication Beyond Zero Tolerance draws together the current thinking and knowledge on family violence. We have worked with Government and community organisations for two years to design an approach that is based on current understanding and information.

“This campaign to eliminate family violence is the most comprehensive and integrated of any we have seen here or overseas. I call on all New Zealanders to help make sure it succeeds.”

ENDS

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