Domestic Violence is the silent killer in New Zealand’s landscape.
All too often we hear of women and children locked outside by their partners, forced into hiding and left too sore and battered to move... and we spare a thought for the many more who are too afraid to reveal their circumstances.
The statistics paint a bleak picture. Recent figures released by Principal Family Court Judge Peter Boshier, state that over half of the murders in New Zealand are the result of domestic violence.
During December 2005 and January 2006, police attended nearly 11,000 family violence incidents - a rate of one incident every eight minutes.
But there is hope. In 2005 Women’s Refuge supported 17,212 women and 9,904 children. In total, 27,116 women and children accessed programmes and services from the Refuge.
Women’s Refuge provides a safe haven to help turn the story around. To repaint the picture and to open a new chapter in the lives of those who need a fresh start. Through their broad spectrum of services Women’s Refuge is instrumental in achieving fulfilling, happy and safe lives for those women experiencing domestic violence.
The 50 refuges around the country provide a place to go to rebuild the lives of women and children affected by violence. They’re instrumental in providing not only safe housing, but also a range of services from counselling, education and legal assistance to court advocacy.
Domestic Violence is a very real issue that all New Zealanders need to face up to. This week is the Women’s Refuge’s annual appeal and your chance to help turn the story around.
As well as donating loose change to street collectors, you can show your support by making an automatic $20 phone donation with 0900 Refuge (0900 73384) or an online donation via the Women’s Refuge website.
Do your bit to help turn the story around for other less fortunate nzgirls so that victims of violence can say...
These days when I’m locked outside, it’s because I’ve lost my keys again
These days when I’m hiding in a cupboard, it’s because I’m playing hide and seek
These days when I’m too sore to move, it’s because I overdid it at the gym
Domestic Violence is the silent killer in New Zealand’s landscape.