Auckland Migrant and Refugee Youth Speak Out Against Family Violence during Youth Week

Auckland: Local young poets and speakers of migrant and refugee backgrounds are coming together for RE-GENERATE: the launch of Shakti Youth’s “Find Your Voice” campaign. This campaign aims to highlight the experiences of migrant and refugee children and young people witnessing violence at home. RE-GENERATE refers to the healing and growth that needs to happen with new generations to break the cycle of family violence and gender-based violence.

After the brutal murder of a woman and her daughter in West Auckland last year[1], Shakti decided there was a need to do more to support children and young people living in violent homes. The young person was only 18 years old when she lost her life at the hands of her father. To break the cycle of family violence cross-culturally, young people of all genders need to be involved. The experiences of children and young people need to be recognised..

“We want migrant and refugee youth know that if they are going through this, they are not alone. It’s not their fault and there are people who can help. For the young people who have spoken up about it, we want their voices to be heard,” says Mengzhu Fu, Youth Project Coordinator at Shakti Family Centre.

Shakti is launching posters, brochures and our social media resources across Auckland. This project is supported by Auckland Council and Youth Week.

RE-GENERATE is happening 25th of May, 6.30pm at the University of Auckland Clock Tower in Lecture theatre 029. Venue is wheelchair accessible.

About Shakti Youth

Shakti Youth was formed in 2010 to bring together young people from Asian, Middle Eastern and African cultures passionate about social change and building towards violence-free futures in Aotearoa/New Zealand. It is part of Shakti Legal Advocacy and Family Social Services based in Manukau, Auckland.

ENDS

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