Waitemata Police operation underway to reduce family violence this Christmas"
For the past four years, Waitemata Police have seen an increased number of family violence incidents in December and
January.
Money worries, the Christmas season and family pressures are thought to be behind the rise, and Waitemata Police have
launched a specific operation that aims to reduce family violence this festive season.
Compared to other months of the year, provisional figures suggest that family violence offending increases in the
Waitemata District by around 20% in December and January.
From now until the end of January, Operation Family will run across the Waitemata Police district, using a number of
prevention activities to reduce and stop family violence.
A high proportion of family violence offending involves recidivist offenders and repeat victims, and the operation will
focus on around 50 families who have been identified as being at high-risk of family violence.
Officers will make proactive cold-call visits to the homes of family violence victims, to check on their safety, offer
advice and the opportunity to report any concerns.
During the visit Police will also offer to arrange extra support and to connect families with any additional services
they may require.
"The holiday period is very challenging for some families, and the sad reality is that whilst many of us are look
forward to it, for others this time of year only brings a sense of dread.
Family violence is not something that should be kept private - it's a crime.
It's ok to ask for help and we hope that this operation may make it a bit easier for those people who are at-risk to ask
for help" says Inspector Claire Humble, Waitemata Police.
The operation involves staff from various teams across the Waitemata Police district, including Family Violence, Youth
and Community, Prevention, Maori Pacific & Ethnic Services (MPES) and Neighbourhood Police teams.
Police will also be making cold-call visits to those who have previously come to Police attention as being responsible
for family violence.
On these visits the Police role will be to ensure that the person is getting the help they need, whether that be from
extended family or friends, or from support services such as Man Alive or Living without Violence.
People who have a protection order against them will also be reminded of the need to adhere to the conditions of that
protection order.
"We know from experience that people who have seperated or no longer live with their families can struggle to cope at
this time of the year, and we want to ensure that person has every assistance to get through it without further
offending.
Breaching a protection order is a serious offence and we'll also be reminding people that we do not offer warnings" says
Inspector Humble.
Police are also reminding anyone who feels their own or someone else's safety is at immediate threat to dial 111.
Do not ignore family violence, your call could save a life.
ends