Everyone Deserves a Healthy Relationship

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 101 with SHINE

Safer Homes in NZ Everyday

5 mana wāhine have an intimate session with Margret Fitzgibbon from SHINE about Domestic Violence

Since 1990, Shine has been working to stop domestic violence in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Shine specialist services support people experiencing domestic violence to become safe and to regain their freedom and self-determination.  Shine also provides support for people who have made the decision to stop using violence and abusive behaviour. Through Shine’s professional training programmes they help organisations and individuals to recognise the signs of domestic violence, and to know how to respond safely and effectively so that more people can get the help that they need.

Nobody deserves to be intimidated, humiliated, kept away from family, whānau and friends, controlled, hurt or frightened. Everyone has the right to live with dignity, free from violence, fear and where someone else is controlling their life. For more information about Shine services and domestic violence, visit their website: https://www.2shine.nz/

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

If you are in immediate danger, call 111 and ask for the Police

Silent Solution: Calling 111 when you’re in danger but can’t talk

If it’s not safe for you to speak, stay silent, push 55 and you will be put through to Police

For more info go to https://www.police.govt.nz/contact-us/calling-emergency-111

Shine Helpline: 0508 744 633 Free to call, 7 days a week, 9am to 11pm

What is domestic or family violence?

A domestic or family relationship includes any intimate relationship (or former relationship i.e. ex-partners), any family or whānau relationship, any two people who share a household i.e. flatmates, and any close, personal relationship.

● Domestic / family violence is not just physical violence, but also a range of other behaviours that have the effect of controlling the other person, or making them feel afraid, threatened, or intimidated.

● Domestic / family violence is most often a pattern of behaviours that have the effect of controlling the other person, even when those behaviours do not appear abusive on their own.

These points align with the legal definition of ‘family violence’ under the Family Violence Act 2018), which replaced and extended the definition of ‘domestic violence’ under the previous Domestic Violence Act 1995.

Shine Domestic/Family Violence 101 Training

Margaret from Shine provided a 2-hour General Awareness Session which covered an overview of the dynamics and effects of family violence on both adults and children. Its main focus was on the ‘Recognise’, ‘Respond’ and ‘Refer’ model of recognising the signs that someone may be experiencing violence; knowing how to respond empathetically and effectively, and to confidently refer to domestic violence services.

Important Key Messages when responding to someone who has told you that they are experiencing domestic violence:

·      Thank you for telling me

·      This isn’t your fault

·      The abuse isn’t okay

·      I/we will help you when you’re ready

If you are interested in the Training that Shine provides, you can access information about it HERE.

Other National domestic violence helplines:

·       Women’s Refuge Crisisline: 0800 733 843 - 24/7. www.womensrefuge.org.nz

·       Family Violence Information Line (Are You OK): 0800 456 450 - 9am to 11pm, 7 days. www.areyouok.org.nz

·       Hey Bro helpline: 0800 Hey Bro (439 276) – 24/7 (for men who feel they’re going to harm a loved one or whānau member). www.hewakatapu.org.nz services/0800-hey-bro

·       Safe to Talk (sexual harm helpline): 0800 044 334 OR text 4334 – 24/7. Online chat at www.safetotalk.nz

·       Elder Abuse Response Service: 0800 32 668 65 OR text 5032 – 24/7. www.superseniors.msd.govt.nz/elder-abuse

·       Age Concern (elder abuse): 0800 652 105 • Netsafe (online safety): 0508 NETSAFE (638 723) or text 4282 – 8am to 8pm weekdays, 9am to 5pm weekends/holidays

Melefatai Palavi