13 May 2016

Offenders in Tauranga hear It’s Not OK

Corrections Central Region continues to focus on addressing New Zealand’s horrific family violence statistics with Bay of Plenty offenders recently attending a presentation by It’s Not OK spokesman Jeremy Eparaima.

Community Corrections Tauranga hosted the presentation this Wednesday 11 May where an audience of 47 offenders on community work sentences attended from Tauranga, Te Puke and Paeroa. Jeremy shared his story and encouraged anyone who is a perpetrator of violence to stop and seek help.

Jeremy is a ‘reformed abuser’ who, while never charged, admits committing horrific violence against his family in the past. He managed to turn his life around after attending an anger management course (twice) with a friend. He now works with the It’s Not OK campaign to help other perpetrators seek help to change.

Tauranga Service Manager Nick Ferguson believes the presentation went down well,

“Everyone was really engaged for the entire hour and a half. Jeremy spoke about his story of living a violent lifestyle and the effects that had on his family. He also spoke about how he made the change. It seemed to have a really big impact on some of the people attending and I am sure that this will encourage others to ask for support to break the cycle of violence.”

Corrections offers a range of interventions for perpetrators of family violence. These programmes help offenders understand what led to their offending and what the effects of family violence are on others. They help offenders develop healthy relationship skills and learn how to manage emotions, beliefs and attitudes. The programme may also address substance abuse issues and connect offenders with assistance provided by external government agencies and non-government organisations to address needs and provide support for the entire whānau.

ENDS

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