Wise up to dating violence with workshops in Porirua and Wellington

Lesley Elliott, mother of Sophie Elliott, who was tragically and brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend will be coming to Porirua and Wellington at the end of this week for two public workshops for Wellington young women, their mothers and caregivers to share the signs of dating violence.

YWCA President Vanisa Dhiru is astounded by the the 48% of couples at age 21 have reported being physically abused by their partner (Moffitt and Caspi). “That’s nearly half of young couples experiencing violence in a relationship – surely we need to inform caregivers and young women and men of the signs before it happens.”

Youth dating relationships have a higher level of emotional and physical violence than any other age group. Young people aged 15-24 are the age group most at risk of physical, psychological and sexual victimisation, (New Zealand National Crime Survey, 2006).

Elliott launched the Sophie Elliott Foundation earlier this year - aiming to cause a profound shift in New Zealand’s attitude towards relationship violence – one that has the next generation recognise and reject all signs of abuse, power and control. Sophie and her partner had dated for just five months, and her life ended with violence.

Lesley will share with the public the signs of power and control in relationships, and what to look for. Dhiru suggests, “Women especially will not want to miss out on Lesley’s ‘Y’s Up’ session, either for yourself, for your daughters, your granddaughters, friends or other family. Together we need to support young women to develop respectful relationships that don’t involve any forms of violence.”

The two workshops are supported by the YWCA of Greater Wellington and Te Roopu Awhina ki Porirua during the 16 Days of Activism against Violence.

Porirua - Friday 26 November, 6pm at Porirua Community Centre, 16 Hagley Street, Porirua.
Wellington - Saturday 27 November, 5.30pm at NZ Portrait Gallery, Shed 11, Wellington Waterfront.

ENDS

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