Family safety

Family safety concerns everyone in our community and it is everyone's responsibility.

This is especially important when it comes to issues which can be difficult to talk about such as family violence. Family violence affects people of all ages, all incomes, all cultures and there are many people affected in our community. Family violence affects us all directly or indirectly.

Any behaviour that makes someone else feel controlled and fearful is never OK. Everyone in a family should feel safe and nurtured.

What is family violence

Family violence includes abuse and neglect. The law sees it as an abuse of human rights and it is a crime. Violence and abuse happens in many ways:

• Physical
• Emotional
• Verbal
• Threats
• Intimidation
• Sexual
• Financial
• Neglect
• Battering

Children who see or hear family violence of any kind can suffer long-term or lifelong consequences.

We may feel powerless when we know family violence is happening or when we are involved in it but it is ok to ask for help.

Postitive change is possible. People can make the choice to stop their violence and live violence free.

Remember you are not alone. There are always skilled people
in our community ready and able to help everyone involved.

Click here for a list of agencies providing help and support.

It is OK to ask for help when

• you are worried about relationships in your family. Every person in a family deserves to be treated with respect. When people are blaming, criticising, arguing or withdrawing then family relationships and people get damaged.

• you or other family members are scared or frightened. Are you at risk? Sometimes it’s hard to know how serious things are getting. If you are scared or frightened about you or others being hurt, then it is already serious.

• you don’t like your own behaviour. If family members show fear of you, find you hard to talk to or feel they have to do what you want them to, you need to consider changing your behaviour.

• you are worried about someone else and want to know how to help them. This could be a friend, neighbour, family member, child’s friend, or workmate. Often people who are experiencing violence feel isolated and ashamed. Your support could be vital.

Whanganui Family Violence Intervention Network

The purpose of the Whanganui Violence Intervention Network is to

• Increase awareness of what family violence is and what help is available
• Develop community-wide understanding and effective helping in response to family violence
• Strengthen the collaboration of local agencies working with family members