Media Statement – embargoed until 2.30 p.m., 27/08/2007 27 August 2007

Research Recommendations Welcomed

Research released today by Waikato University provides another opportunity to understand the complexity of issues around family violence.

‘Relationship Services will work closely with government and the Taskforce for Action on Violence in Families to examine and progress the recommendations of the report,’ said Jo-Ann Vivian, Relationship Services National Practice Manager.

The report highlights the need for people affected by family violence to go to agencies with experience in this specialised area. ‘People need to get help from those agencies which understand the dynamics and complexity of family violence,’ said Ms Vivian.

‘As an agency that delivers Domestic Violence programmes, we are very aware of the need for all counsellors to have a good understanding of the dynamics of family violence. Relationship Services knows that anyone coming for counselling could be affected by domestic violence, and it is important that we identify where this is an issue, and respond accordingly,’ said Ms Vivian.

Relationship Services agrees with report’s authors that more victims should be encouraged to attend the programmes designed for them. ‘We provide these programmes for victims of violence throughout the country, and women tell us that they can be life changing.’

Relationship Services provided programmes for over 700 people last year where protection orders were in place, and family violence is a factor for many of the 25,000 people it works with each year.

ENDS

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