Plan To Be Safe This Christmas

Plan To Be Safe This Christmas, Says Women’s Refuge

Women’s Refuge says there are things we can all do to ensure a safer Christmas for families this year.

Heather Henare, Chief Executive for the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges says, ““Stress is not an excuse for family violence, but it can cause abuse to escalate.”

She says “At a time of year when pressures mount, it helps to be prepared. We are saying, ‘Try to stress less this Christmas and plan to be safe.’”

Ms Henare says keeping spending and travel arrangements manageable can help to keep stress levels down. “Extended families can help, by relaxing the pressure a bit,” she says. “It’s an important time to slow down and focus on what’s really important – our precious families and their safety.”

Ms Henare says alcohol would appear to be a factor in around a third of family violence incidents police attend. “Everyone can play a part here. If we can decide in advance to keep our alcohol consumption within sensible limits, we are making a wise choice for our families.”

Denise Reynolds, Kaiwhakahaere for the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges, says domestic violence will affect many families throughout the holiday season and in many cases there will have been some warning signs, some issues that others will have been aware of.

“Friends and whānau can play an invaluable role in helping families to live free from violence and abuse. Stopping violence is everyone’s responsibility.”

Ms Reynolds says, “We need to believe and support women – not tell them what to do, but encourage them to seek help.”

She says, “If you are concerned that a friend or family member is in an abusive relationship, you can visit www.womensrefuge.org.nz or call 0800 REFUGE (0800 733 843) for support and advice on how you can help.”

“If a woman or child’s life is in danger, or if a child is suffering from abuse or neglect, call the Police, or Child, Youth and Family.”

Ms Reynolds says there are practical options for women fearing violence over the holiday period.

She says, “Not everyone will want to leave their partner, but there are things we can do to keep ourselves safe.”

“If you fear violence from your partner, we encourage you to make a safety plan. There are safety plans on our website. Or you can call 0800 REFUGE for help.”

Ms Reynolds says, “It’s ok to ask for help. Women’s Refuge services are confidential and non-judgmental.”

She says, “You don’t have to come into the safe house. We can talk over the phone, or meet you somewhere that is safe and comfortable for you.”

ENDS

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