Hon Ruth Dyson
Spokesperson on Social Development

28th October Media Statement

New Zealanders taking action on family violence

The It’s not OK campaign is playing a big part in getting New Zealanders talking about family violence, says Social Development spokesperson Ruth Dyson.

Responding to the latest survey into the reach and retention of the campaign, the Minister says the research shows that people believe that change is possible and that there is something they can do to help.

"The survey shows that 95 percent of people surveyed know about the campaign – up from 89 percent since the last survey in April 2008," said Ruth Dyson.

"More than two out of three people surveyed (68 percent) say they have spoken to family or friends about family violence as a result of seeing the It’s not Ok campaign TV advertisements. More than half of people (57 percent) said they now felt they could help to influence someone to change their violent behaviour.

"It is encouraging to see that New Zealanders believe that change is possible and understand that they can do something to help. It is still early days for the campaign but raising awareness and helping people to realise that change is possible is a very important start.

Ms Dyson said the recent crime statistics, which showed a 29 percent increase in the reporting of family violence, show that the campaign is helping to bring the serious issue of family violence out into the open.

"This campaign has so much more potential in encouraging people to seek or offer help and in supporting people to get the help they need to live without violence in their lives." said Ruth Dyson.

The Campaign for Action on Family Violence – the It’s not OK campaign is an initiative of the Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families. Campaign work is implemented by the Ministry of Social Development in association with the Families Commission.

The campaign is supported by a Family Violence Information Line 0800 456 450 and a campaign website www.areyouok.org.nz

ENDS

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