Media Release: WOMEN'S REFUGE SUPPORTS THE LAUNCH OF 'HIDDEN IN FRONT OF US'
28 August 2010
Women's Refuge Chief Executive, Heather Henare, was thrilled to attend the launch of the book 'Hidden in Front of us' this week at Parliament.
The book, written by Anthea Simcock and Lee-Anne Duncan, outlines the experience of twenty four adult survivors of child abuse.
"Child abuse is very difficult to talk about which is why this book is so important. The book openly discusses child abuse and provides a way for all New Zealanders to get information about this enormous problem."
"The book is compelling and honest. Because the stories are real, you get a sense of the actual impact child abuse has on people both in their childhood, and as they become adults."
"Everyone should read this book. It shows that the messaging we get from our children about what is going on in their lives is often missed because we don’t hear what they are trying to say, or they don’t have the language to explain it."
"This book provides people with the knowledge and resources to make an immeasurable difference to a child's life. Congratulations "Child Matters CPS" for stepping up for the children in Aotearoa."
For more info, visit: http://hiddeninfrontofus.ning.com
Media Release: LIVE FREE FROM FEAR
16 July 2010
Women's Refuge launches its 2010 Annual Appeal on Monday 19 July in Wellington with the roll out of a new, attention grabbing awareness campaign. We are asking the nation to consider how it must feel for women and their children to live in fear. We invite you to come along and experience 'fear'.
Chief Executive Heather Henare says, "Once again the team at Saatchi & Saatchi have created a stunning campaign that highlights psychological abuse and the constant fear that women and their children feel when living in these relationships.
People recognise physical abuse because there is something to see. Psychological abuse is far more sinister and far more prevalent. We know that 90% of the women we work with are dealing with psychological abuse. Physical abuse destroys the body, psychological abuse destroys the soul. This year we want to encourage New Zealanders to think about how it feels to be constantly living in fear of your partner. Our new campaign will give them the opportunity to do that".
Denise Reynolds, Kaiwhakahaere, says "Women's Refuge believes that the existence of harmony must be the foundation of every whanau throughout Aotearoa. We say this because we have figures that state otherwise. Last year we had too many wahine and tamariki seek Refuge services. While keeping whanau intact is our goal, the safety of women and their children must be assured so that long term solutions are achieved for everyone."
Ms Henare says "We are the only national domestic violence organisation to offer a 24/7 service. We take 1 crisis call every 9 minutes. Cases are becoming more complex and requiring more intense advocacy which we provide. We are not just a safe house or an ambulance at the bottom of a cliff. Our advocates are experienced, innovative and progressive. While much of our work is unnoticed, Women's Refuge helps thousands of women and children every year."
Times continue to be tough for everyone and our Refuges are really seeing the effects of the recession over the past two years. We need a big community response to a big community issue this year so that we can continue to help women LIVE FREE FROM FEAR."
Singer-songwriter, Anika Moa is showing her support for Women's Refuge 2010 Annual Appeal campaign and performing at the launch.
Women's Refuge is New Zealand's most significant family violence organisation, with a 37 year history of providing comprehensive services for women and children.
For a media pack or enquiries contact
Kiri Hannifin, Women's Refuge
media@refuge.org.nz
Tel. (04) 802 5078 or 027 322 4688
Media Release: WOMEN'S REFUGE and ANIKA MOA TEAM UP TO RAISE AWARENESS AROUND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DURING THEIR ANNUAL APPEAL JULY 19-25
16 July 2010
Women's Refuge are thrilled to have the support of one of New Zealand's most successful artists, Anika Moa, to raise awareness and gather support during their Annual Appeal week.
Part of Anika's support includes a fabulous 'life pass' to be auctioned on TradeMe. Proceeds from the winning bid will be donated directly to Women's Refuge.
Chief Executive Heather Henare says "We are so honoured to have Anika's support. She is so vibrant and talented and has a wide appeal across New Zealand which will really help us get our message out. She decided to support our Appeal because she believes violence, abuse, threats, taunts, anger and hate are not things women or children should have to put up with.
This belief resonates strongly with the theme of this year's Appeal which is all about tackling the issue of fear. Too many women and children live in a constant state of fear from physical and emotional abuse. The effects are crippling. We receive a crisis call every 9 minutes and help thousands of women and children a year in their attempt to live their lives free of abuse. Like Anika, we are passionate about the right women and children have to live free of fear."
The Anika Moa Life Pass will include:
- 2 tickets to any Anika Moa (headlining) show for the rest of her career!
- A Takamine acoustic guitar from The Rockshop signed by Anika Moa
- A copy of every Anika Moa album - released and future releases
- An 'Anika Moa - Love In Motion' poster
- Anika Moa merchandise including a tea towel, kete, tote bag, and t shirt
This amazing prize pack and the money raised is going to such an important and worthwhile cause, so please head along to trademe.co.nz on July 19th and bid big.
Refuges throughout the country will be collecting on the street during that week but it is also possible to donate via womensrefuge.org.nz or 0900 REFUGE.
Anika Moa will be available to speak to media for 30 minutes following the launch. Please make an appointment with Kiri Hannifin on the contacts below.
For more info on Women's Refuge Annual Appeal please contact:
Kiri Hannifin on media@refuge.org.nz
Tel (04) 802 5078
027 322 4688
Media Release: POLICE SAFETY ORDERS
13 July 2010
Police Safety Orders came in to effect on July 1 2010 as a result of changes to the Domestic Violence Act 1995.
The changes were made via the Domestic Violence (Safety Enhancement) Bill and the Sentencing Act 2002 and the Bail Act 2000. Other key provisions to come into effect on July 1st include:
- The provision for the Police to issue Police Safety Orders (PSO);
- The ability for the District Courts to direct Police to issue a PSO or the making of temporary protection order against the person who has breached a PSO; and
- The ability for the Courts to issue a final protection order in situations where a person has been convicted of a Domestic Violence offence.
What are Police Safety Orders?
Police Safety Orders can be used in situations where Police do not have sufficient evidence to charge a person with a family violence offence, but have reason to believe that the order is necessary to ensure the safety of a person at risk (including children who reside with that person). Previously, Police have been unable to take action under law.
The person to whom the Police are moving to protect does not have to consent to the Order being made.
The Police have estimated they could make up to 20,000 Orders per year.
What will happen?
The respondent must leave the home.
Any parenting orders in place are suspended for the duration of the Order.
Firearms or any other weapons must also be surrendered. Any firearms license will be revoked for the duration of the Order.
The Police see the issuing of an Order as an opportunity to engage support agencies at the earliest possible stage to assist families and relationships where family violence is occurring or is likely to occur to try and reduce the likelihood of further family violence occurring and / or escalating. It is essential this happens in order to ensure the safety of the protected person and her family.
What do Police Safety Orders say?
A Police Safety Order can be made for up to five days. This will allow the protected person to make an application for a temporary Protection Order if she wishes.
The exact duration of the Order will be determined in light of statutory considerations and the particular circumstances of each case. The main legislative considerations are hardship (to any person) and welfare of any children residing with the person at risk.
An Order will usually state that the respondent cannot assault, harass, threaten, stalk, or intimidate the protected person, or go near her home or workplace for up to five days. Any children living with the protected person are also automatically protected.
What if an Order is breached?
A Police Safety Order does not lead to a criminal conviction or a criminal record.
A breach of the Order is likely to result in the person bound by the order being taken into custody by the Police.
The Court will have several options available to it including issuing a temporary protection order.
Concerns
We are concerned that the issuing of a Police Safety Order may potentially temporarily escalate the risk of harm to the person at risk. The Police themselves have acknowledged this concern and we have raised it with the Ministry of Social Development.
One of the key factors necessary to ensure safety is that appropriate support is put in place. The Police should refer each protected person to agencies such as Refuge for this support where we can provide information, advocacy, accommodation and advice around safety planning.
Training
The New Zealand Police has offered to work with Refuges to provide training on Police Safety Orders. A way to do this would be via Regional hui. For those Regions who have already had their hui, other arrangements can be made. Please contact Tracey Swanberg on tracey@refuge.org.nz for further information.
Media Release: FUNDS WILL BE NEEDED AS RECESSION HURTS FAMILIES, SAYS REFUGE
25 May 2009
Women’s Refuge says the government's plan to establish a new Community Response Fund is a sensible measure to address the imminent impact of the recession.
Women's Refuge Chief Executive, Heather Henare, said "It is well established that high rates of domestic violence coincide with economic recession. Police in the United States, where the recession hit first, have seen significant spikes in domestic violence. The United Kingdom is anticipating a similar rise."
She said, “Women's Refuge and other non-government organisations are only too aware of the demands that may be placed on us as job losses and business failure begin to take their toll on communities."
"We are pleased to see the Ministry of Social Development working in consultation with communities and social service agencies to ensure that we are there and we are resourced to provide essential services when and where they are needed."
"Ms Henare said Women's Refuge provides more than just safe houses. "Many of our refuges are working innovatively and making great progress in turning the story around in their communites. I hope these success stories will receive a boost from this funding as it becomes available."
"The Pathways to Partnership model introduced by the previous government did provide us with a long-awaited commitment to support which we hoped would enable us to build sustainable infrastructure. We understand that there will be some re-shaping of that funding model, but we look forward to working constructively with government, not just through the recession, but into a safer future for our families and whanau."
Media Release: INMATE CONVICTION OVER THREATS WELCOMED
26 May 2008
Women’s Refuge says the conviction of an inmate who terrorised his former partner from jail is a much-needed clampdown on this type of behaviour.
The man’s offending was uncovered as a result of new phone monitoring technology introduced by the Department of Corrections.
The Chief Executive of the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges, Heather Henare, says many women who have suffered domestic violence have then been persecuted again from behind bars.
“We’ve had so many cases where the men have continued to stalk the women and make threats while they are in custody.”
“This has simply prolonged the torment for these women, who’ve already been through the most horrendous abuse and are still incredibly vulnerable.”
“They deserve the full protection of all authorities and the knowledge that everything is being done to keep their attacker away from them and in a position where they’re no longer able to keep taunting, threatening and abusing them.”
“A particularly aggravating aspect of this case is that the man did this while in custody on other charges, and that’s certainly something the sentencing judge should be taking into account.”
Ms Henare says she is glad the Department of Corrections is taking steps to address such a serious issue, and hopes to see a sustained long-term strategy to stem this sort of abuse.
MEDIA RELEASE - DEATH REVIEW COMMITTEE A CRITICAL TOOL
15 April 2008
Women’s Refuge says the establishment of a Family Violence Death Review Committee provides a critical opportunity for identifying changes to help prevent deaths and reduce domestic violence.
The Chief Executive of the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges, Heather Henare, says Cabinet’s approval for the committee is an important step in the ongoing campaign to reduce family violence.
“Women’s Refuge has been advocating for this for a long time.”
“This committee will be able to take a very close and thorough look at any situation where there’s been a death.”
“From its review, it will be able to make recommendations for changes to systems and practices that could help prevent further deaths.”
Ms Henare says the death toll every year from domestic violence, which on average includes 14 women and ten children, is horrific.
“Any death is an absolute tragedy, but we simply add to that tragedy if we do not take the lessons from it and ensure they are applied.”
“It’s going to be vital the committee has the support and the interagency co-operation to ensure its recommendations are acted upon.”
Ms Henare is a member of the Taskforce for Action on Violence Within Families that recommended setting up the committee.
Media Release: FAMILY VIOLENCE FIGURES A MASSIVE CHALLENGE
1 April 2008
Women's Refuge says the major increase in family violence crimes in 2007 shows the massive challenge facing the country and all agencies dealing with domestic violence.
The Chief Executive of the National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges, Heather Henare, says the more than 30-percent increase in reported family violence crimes is deeply alarming
Ms Henare says part of the increase may be higher reporting driven by the "It's Not Ok" campaign launched in September.
However, she says the underlying fact is that the scale of family violence in New Zealand is at an epidemic level, and will require significant resources and investment before it is turned around.
"I have been heartened this year to see the Government providing some more funding for Women's Refuge and other groups."
"But we are still some way from receiving funding that will allow us to have the programmes, staff and resources to truly respond to the scale of this problem and make sure sustained change happens."
Ms Henare says there is also very clearly a responsibility on all individuals, families and communities to be playing their part in countering domestic violence.
"We're seeing one woman die every 26 days at the hands of her partner or former partner, while countless others are injured and scarred every single day."
"The cost on children experiencing and witnessing this violence is also huge."
"We're simply condemning our next generation to another cycle of violence if we don't make the commitment and investment now to really break it, once and for all."
Ms Henare says behaviours and attitudes that tolerate or turn a blind eye to family violence have absolutely no place in New Zealand society.
Media Release: FUNDING CHANGE A SIGNIFICANT MOVE IN RIGHT DIRECTION
12 February 2008
Women's Refuge says today's announcement by the Prime Minister of a change in future funding arrangements is a very promising and long overdue step in the right direction.
The Chief Executive of the National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges, Heather Henare, says the Government's move to improved and more sustainable funding should provide greater relief and certainty to Refuges throughout the country.
"We've been telling Ministers and officials for some time now about the incredible strain and pressure Refuges, staff and volunteers have been working under to deliver services."
Ms Henare says Women's Refuge has been lobbying for sustainable funding for a long time, and was deeply disappointed last year's budget bid was rejected.
"A cost analysis we did with Child Youth and Family showed we were only getting about 44-percent Government funding for the services we're providing."
She says today's move is definitely a step in the right direction and will help Women's Refuge regain some of the financial ground lost so badly in recent years.
"I am encouraged to see this shift, but we will now have to see just what it means in terms of actual additional dollars to help meet the real cost of our services for women and children."
Ms Henare says she was briefed this afternoon by the Minister of Social Development Ruth Dyson and told her that she is very heartened to see the Government recognising the terrific strain the NGO sector has been under providing vital services to the community.
"Under this new regime we look forward to getting 100-percent funding for existing services."
Ms Henare says she notes the emphasis the Government is placing on the NGO sector working collaboratively and says this is something Women's Refuge and other groups it has been working alongside to eliminate family violence are also committed to.
Media Release: BURN-OUT AND SOARING WORKLOADS
13 December 2007
Women's Refuges are heading into the holiday season with staff reporting near burn-out and major increases in their workloads.
The latest statistics from Refuges represented by the National Collective of Independent Refuges (NCIWR) show a continued demand much greater than the funding provided to meet it.
The quarterly report (1 July-30 September) shows more than 14-thousand crisis calls were taken in just three months (the previous quarter also recorded around 14-thousand calls). Refuge is funded to take just 20-thousand calls for the entire year under its contract with Child Youth and Family.
In the same three months, the crisis accommodation provided was over half the amount contracted for with CYF for the entire year.
Women's Refuge Chief Executive, Heather Henare, says the sheer volume of the work is leaving many staff and volunteers exhausted, and the final quarter of the year is expected to be even busier.
"The feedback from some of the Refuges really gives an indication of the huge workload they're struggling with trying to help women and children."
"I've had staff in Refuges talking about how they are close to burn out, with some trying to cope with double the workload they had a year ago."
"In the last three months of last year more than ten thousand women and children were referred to our services, so I can only imagine that will grow again."
"Clearly more people are starting to do something about domestic violence, and the police are also reporting their own work has increased as a result of the It's Not OK campaign."
Ms Henare says Women's Refuge has put in a significant claim to the Ministry of Social Development to help cope with the work levels being faced.
The claim has been made under the five-million dollar Campaign Response Fund, with applications being considered this week.
"Our funding has consistently been way behind the ball in terms of actual demand for our services, so we hope at least this process brings some degree of respite for Refuges."
Media Release: RICKARDS DEPARTURE LONG OVERDUE
23 November 2007
Women's Refuge says it is extraordinary it has taken Clint Rickards so long to realise that remaining in the police was untenable.
The Chief Executive of the National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges, Heather Henare, says Mr Rickards departure is long overdue as his continued employment in the police been completely unacceptable.
"His insistence on remaining on the payroll and wanting to resume his duties has angered a lot of women. Many people will wonder why he's chosen to jump now just before his internal disciplinary hearing, when he has been so adamant he had done nothing wrong."
"It is bizarre to hear him talking now about the importance of maintaining public confidence in the force, when earlier this year he was so critical of the police who investigated the complaints of Louise Nicholas."
Mrs Henare says his comment that convicted rapists Bob Schollum and Brad Shipton should not be in jail showed he was unfit to remain in his job and that he had no real appreciation of their crime or their victim.
"This whole situation has damaged public confidence in the police and seriously hurt their credibility. I hope they learn lessons from it and something like this is never allowed to drag on for again for so long."
"The personal toll on Louise Nicholas and the other women involved has been enormous and their bravery and courage has been incredible - we owe them great thanks for what they have done."
Media Release: MEN URGED TO CONDEMN VIOLENCE
18 November 2007
Women's Refuge is urging men to show their complete condemnation of violence against women during events over the next week marking White Ribbon Day.
White Ribbon Day, November 25, was started in 1991 by a men's movement group in Canada and has been officially adopted by the United Nations as its International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Men are encouraged to wear a white ribbon to show they do not tolerate or condone violence towards women, and Women's Refuge is one of many Government and non-government agencies supporting it again this year.
Last year, police attended more than 70-thousand callouts to family violence incidents.
The Chief Executive of the National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges, Heather Henare, says the toll violence is taking on women, children and families is completely unacceptable.
"Every week hundreds of women are suffering abuse and violence, and tragically one of them dies every five weeks at the hands of her partner or former partner."
"White Ribbon Day is a chance for men to make it absolutely clear that they won't tolerate this behaviour and to make that stand both publicly and in their own homes."
"That's also the type of behaviour and message we expect them to be carrying 365 days a year, not just on this one day."
Ms Henare says men should be positive role models for their sons and other young men, whether it is on the sports field, in the home or in the workplace.
"This places a responsibility on them to not only be mindful of their own words and actions, but how they might be seen and modelled by others."
This year more than 300 thousand ribbons have been produced by inmates at Wellington Prison for distribution to the public.
They will be handed out in the streets, as well as at a number of events being held in communities throughout the country.
For details of events being held or to learn more about White Ribbon Day visit www.familiescommission.org.nz
For further information about family violence and how you or someone you know can seek help go to this page .
Media Release: MAJOR CONCERN OVER RAID AT REFUGE
27 October 2007
Women's Refuge has sought an assurance from the police that there will not be a repeat of an incident in which one of its safe houses was raided.
Police have told Refuge that they carried out the raid on the property after receiving information from the public about drugs.
The Chief Executive of the National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges, Heather Henare, says no drugs were found and the exercise has sparked a great deal of concern.
Ms Henare says it was just fortunate there were no women housed at the property at the time of the police raid, as it would have caused them a lot of stress and alarm.
"These are very vulnerable, fragile and traumatised women and this sort of incident would have undoubtedly been quite distressing."
"I have spoken to both police national headquarters and the district police commander to make my concerns very clear and to tell them that what happened is completely unacceptable."
Ms Henare says police should be wary and cautious about the possible motives of anyone providing them with information regarding Refuge properties.
"I have told police that there should have been a much better way to go about dealing with this, and we'll be having further discussions around the issues and the problems this has highlighted"
"I am really aware that they have a job to do, but it has to be done with the utmost care and consideration surrounding our work and clients."
Media Release: CONCERN AT ANGER AND ABUSE OVER RUGBY
9 October 2007
Women's Refuge says the level of abuse and anger over the World Cup rugby loss should serve as a wake-up call about the behaviour and attitudes of some New Zealanders.
On the eve of the return of many of the All Blacks, the chief executive of the National Collective of Independent Refuges, Heather Henare, is calling on people to examine their own behaviour following Sunday's loss to France.
"It's quite disturbing to hear the level of abuse and anger of some people as a result of the game."