Media release
14 February 2007

New Chapter in the It’s Not OK campaign

A new phase of action to prevent family violence announced today encourages men who abuse their partners to acknowledge that it is not OK and to seek help to change.

The Campaign for Action on Family Violence is led by the Families Commission and the Ministry for Social Development and backed by extensive work in communities around New Zealand. It is designed to change the way people act and think about family violence.

Chief Commissioner of the Families Commission, Rajen Prasad says the It’s Not OK campaign will continue with its work to build up understanding about family violence so that everyone is very clear what sort of behaviour within families is acceptable and what is not.

“For this next phase, we have narrowed our focus and are using the inspiring stories of men who have changed their abusive behaviour to prompt others to seek help to change. It also shows that men can help others to change.“

At its extreme end, violence by men causes the most serious harm, both in the injuries that are sustained and the level of fear that result, he said.

Between 2000 and 2004, 45 women were killed by their male partner or ex-partner compared to three men who were killed by their female partner or ex-partner.
Dr Prasad said the overall campaign is based on evidence which shows that promoting a culture of non-violence needs a systematic, integrated approach involving all sections of society.
The Families Commission itself takes a holistic approach to strengthening families. Much of its work focuses on reducing family violence, promoting the importance of parenting and encouraging people to keep building on their parenting skills as their children grow older. It is also working to enhance counselling and other relationship support for couples.

“We can all take steps to help reduce family violence and to raise our children to enjoy and expect safe, healthy, positive relationships within their families. “

ENDS

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