Intimate Partner Violence (Strangulation) with SHINE

Understanding terminology is key when it comes to understanding intimate partner violence. It helps when filing police reports and when seeking medical assistance for survivors. Knowing tell-tale signs of strangulation, and the differences between choking and suffocation aids when treating people:

·         Choking – internal airway obstruction: food, small toy, etc.

·         Suffocation – obstruction of airway from an external object that blocks the nose and mouth: plastic bag, pillow, etc.

·         Strangulation: external compression restricting airflow: hand, rope, etc.

Family violence is not just physical violence, but a myriad of other behaviours aimed at manipulating or intimidating another person by either a partner/ex-partner, a family member or even a flatmate.

On the 9th of September we had Rachel Kain and Marg Fitzgibbon from our partner organisation SHINE (Safer Homes in New Zealand Everyday). SHINE works with several Government agencies and community organisations to address domestic violence. We had 44 members of the community learning about intimate partner violence. Rachel and Marg took us through the physical and psychological toll strangulation has on people, as well other signs of abuse. Legislation related to domestic violence was also discussed to see how the Government penalizes offenders. We also covered how we can intervene and help when we see someone in need.

SHINE and the HEART Movement share similar Kaupapa of addressing family violence, to try and nurture healthy relationships. It’s difficult to shed light on a terrible problem in Aotearoa, but by having trainings like this and sharing knowledge we know better days lie ahead. We’ve just go to roll-up our sleeves and put in the mahi so that our homes and communities will be safer places for our whanau.