The Salvation Army Media Release

Sallies back moves to tackle family violence

Wellington, 4 September 2007 - The Salvation Army is strongly endorsing the Government's new campaign against family violence.

The four-year Campaign for Action on Family Violence was launched today by the Ministry of Social Development and the Families Commission.

Salvation Army Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit Director, Major Campbell Roberts, says that the campaign represents a strong commitment by government and other parties against family violence.

'The campaign takes a multi-pronged approach to the problem of family violence, by raising awareness of the issue, providing information to victims, partnering with non-government organisations, and funding research.

'All of these individual initiatives when put together provide for a more integrated and effective approach.'

'Family violence - which could include not only physical abuse, but also violent use of language and emotional abuse - is an issue that we need to address as a society.'

Major Roberts says that it is also important to acknowledge that violence escalates where other social problems exist.

'Family violence is frequently linked to factors such as poverty, social dislocation, overcrowded housing, and alcohol and drug abuse.

'The Salvation Army's recent report on housing affordability, for example, pointed to the importance of housing as one of the four cornerstones of social wellbeing.

'Support for good quality housing would help to combat the escalating number of social problems, such as family violence, by directly supporting families and nurturing children.'

ENDS

© Scoop Media