MEDIA RELEASE

Date: 8 November 2009

Shining a light against domestic violence

The roar of Western Springs Speedway stilled last night as 150 speedway fans stood and shone torches into the sky, taking a stand against domestic violence.

Spelling out the word “shine” these fans, recruited on entry, created awareness for the charity shine* and it’s campaign against domestic violence.

Senior public relations students at AUT University, working on behalf of the not-for-profit organisation shine* (previously Preventing Violence in the Home), organised the stunt as part of a final year project. The communications students are required to run a not-for-profit public relations agency called Outside the Square. They were thrilled to be assigned to shine*.

“Domestic violence is a serious issue which many people are reluctant to discuss and this is why it thrives. By raising awareness we hope to help change attitudes and help shine* with their goal to rid New Zealand of this problem,” says AUT student, Danielle Neutgens, 21.  

Rachel Goodchild, a relationships commentator and author of Eighty Eight Dates was on hand to MC throughout the night. Spot prizes including AA memberships and a selection of gift vouchers from Donate NZ were won by supporters. All those that participated also received a free torch.

“When we found out that 12 children a year die as a result of domestic violence and 1 in 3 New Zealander women are affected, we were stunned”, says Ms Neutgens. “Changing attitudes and getting people to talk about domestic violence is the first step in the solution.”

The team was thrilled with the result “It was a huge challenge and a real learning experience but we are extremely pleased with how it has turned out”.

The students also created a social media campaign using facebook and twitter and sites such as Volunteer NZ.

shine*’s Marketing and Development Director, Mary Zefirelli says “the team organised the event with military precision. We couldn’t be more delighted.”

shine*, an acronym for Safer Homes in New Zealand Everyday, is New Zealand’s single largest domestic violence prevention agency. The organisation provides a range of services for both victims and perpetrators to help people feel safer at home and to address the causes of violent behaviour.

ENDS 

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