27 January 2009
Media Release

Preventing Violence in the Home says all New Zealanders need to learn where to go for help if they suspect a friend or family member is being abused, to prevent yet another tragedy.

PARAGRAPH ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCIDENT IN DUNEDIN

The year has hardly begun and yet the violent reality of domestic violence in New Zealand has seen one tragic 21 year old Dunedin woman become the first fatal statistic of the year.

Preventing Violence in the Home is a national not-for-profit group dedicated to keeping people safe in their own homes.

Its Executive Director, Jane Drumm, says “this case highlights the need for everyone to know how to be proactive if they suspect violence or abuse is being carried out in a home. The circumstances are terribly sad because this young woman had her whole future ahead of her, which has now been ended in a terrifying and brutal way”

She says many people are scared of getting involved, but simply reporting concerns to appropriate authorities can be done safely.

“New Zealanders need to know how to recognise the signs of domestic violence and child abuse, intervene safely and know how to take action,” she says.

“If you, a friend or family member, or a neighbour may be at risk of domestic violence or child abuse, call the toll-free Preventing Violence in the Home helpline on 0508 DVHELP (0508 384 357) for advice and support. Or visit our website www.preventingviolence.org.nz”

Ms Drumm says if a situation is potentially dangerous, people should not hesitate to call the Police on 111 or Child, Youth and Family on 0508 326 459.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Adshell Letter Campaign 19 January to 01 February 2009

Preventing Violence in the Home asks our friends and families to ‘Read between the Lines.’

‘Reading between the Lines’ is a campaign displaying three versions of a letter written to a friend of a victim of domestic violence; (with small type between the words telling the writer’s true story) illustrating the need to read between the lines of the conversations they are having with friends and family who may be at risk of Domestic Violence.

Everyday we engage in conversations and communications with the people we know and care about; whether this is at work, at home, school or simply in a social environment. So many times the actual words spoken are only half the story. The truer version is not what is said but what’s inferred or even completely hidden.

How many times has someone said to you ‘How are you?’ and you have replied ‘fine, just a little tired’ or ‘I’m just out of sorts’ when inside you’re exhausted and overwhelmed with a situation but just can’t bring yourself to say it out loud.

‘Read between the Lines’ just launched in Auckland by Preventing Violence in the Home is designed to make people aware that sometimes what is said is only a small part of the picture - a seemingly normal or even rosy picture can harbour a serious issue. This is particularly true where domestic violence is involved – the very nature of domestic violence is it’s a hidden, embarrassing secret that must remain behind closed doors. It is this very aspect that enables the violence to flourish.

How can you help? If you’re concerned about someone you know, spending a little time to read between the lines would enable someone you care about to share what is actually going on in their lives. It’s not about prying – it’s about reaching out to those in need and giving them a helping hand.

If domestic violence is happening to you, or you are concerned about a friend or family member, call our free national helpline 0508 384 357. We will listen.

Executive Director Jane Drumm says if a situation is immediately dangerous, people should call the Police on 111.

ENDS

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