“SAFVPN Pleased With 8 Year Sentence”

South Auckland Family Violence Prevention Network (SAFVPN) Manager Raewyn Bhana is pleased with the 8 year sentence of Nathan Boulter handed down by Justice Paul Heath today.

Boulter repeatedly punched his ex-partner in the face and tried to strangle her after being kidnapped by him during an ordeal that lasted 38 hours. Ms Bhana says “the victim can now hopefully get on with her life and not have to look over her shoulder to see if he maybe there”.

This sentence comes a week out from the Candle-light vigil which Ms Bhana’s organisation is coordinating alongside the NZ Police, Child Youth and Family and other agencies who work in the Domestic Violence sector in South Auckland.

“This is our Matariki Candlelight Vigil which had been set up to promote DV Free amongst families including children. It will be held on Thursday morning 21 June 2012 starting at 6am on Mangere Mountain. Around 100 individuals have been killed through some form of Domestic Violence or child abuse and Ms Bhana says that its 100 people too many.

Hon Dr Pita Sharples Minister of Maori Affairs, Superintendent John Tims of Counties Manukau Police and Child Youth and Family Auckland Regional Director Grant Bennett will share the stage with SAFVPN to commemorate those who have died over the past 5 years through domestic violence or child abuse and ensure that this type of abuse and or death does not continue. "One way we can stop or even reduce this number is if we speak out against it", Ms Bhana said.

This Matariki event is open to the public and following the commemoration a breakfast will be held at the Mangere Community Hall on Mangere Mountain.

ENDS

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