PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10 JULY 2008

AFTER SHOCK

There have been many statements made over the past 24 hours in response to the shocking news and the admission by Mr Veitch that he seriously assaulted his former partner. Catherine Lawson from Jigsaw Family Services says that it is important to remember the effect these situations have on children.

“There is a misconception out there, that due to the fact that there were no children present or living in the home at the time, means children would not have been affected
in any way.”

Ms Lawson goes on to say that of course our children will have been affected, and there will be a great deal of shock and confusion for them too.

“Sports presenters, sport players, fathers, uncles, anyone that participates in the life of children and young people have the opportunity to model safe and unsafe behaviour at any time. Mr Veitch plays an important part in the lives of children in New Zealand. He is a hero in the eyes of some our children, and there will be children in the lives of his friends, colleagues, neighbours and extended family who will also be affected. So don’t let us be lulled into a sense of false ideas that children need to be living in the family home to be affected.”

Ms Lawson believes that it is important for adults in New Zealand to realise that their actions can have a lasting effect on all children in their extended families and other social networks.

“This breaking news is an opportunity for all of us to re-think on how our behaviour could affect our children and young people. We must make a concerted effort to dismantle the wall of secrecy and silence making New Zealand a safer society for our children and families to flourish.”

ENDS

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