NATIONAL COLLECTIVE of INDEPENDENT WOMEN’S REFUGES INC.

MEDIA RELEASE – 12 DECEMBER 2007

Stabbing Case a Chilling Warning for Women

Women’s Refuge hopes the sentencing today of a Lower Hutt man who stabbed his three children will prompt women living with domestic violence to act before it is too late.

The Chief Executive of Women’s Refuge, Heather Henare, says it is extremely fortunate the children survived the attack, but says they will bear the physical and emotional scars for the rest of their lives.

Ms Henare says the incident should serve as a chilling warning to many women.

“The partner in this case experienced violence over some years, and had hoped he would change, had forgiven him and desperately tried to make their relationship work.”

“He’d said he would change, cried and kept promising it wouldn’t happen again, but of course it did.”

“She said she feared for herself at times, but never thought the children were at risk. What happened showed just how tragically mistaken she was.”

Ms Henare says the woman’s story is sadly far from an isolated case, and she hopes that it will serve as a real warning and wake-up call for other women.

“Particularly around Christmas we’re urging women to keep themselves and their children safe, have a safety plan in place and not to be afraid or ashamed to get help.”

She says she also hopes the 15-year jail sentence handed down to the man will highlight the huge issue of men’s violence and prompt many men to examine their own actions and behaviour.

ENDS

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