16 February 2009

Police have launched a homicide inquiry after a woman's body was found inside a Canterbury home today.

Police found the body of 46-year-old Jo-Anne Thompson. Two children aged four and six were found wandering outside the Waiau home shortly after 8.15am. They are looking for 43-year-old Ross Simon Fraser, believed to be Thompson's partner.

Preventing Violence in the Home’s Client Services Director and Child Crisis Team Manager, Jill Proudfoot, is available for comment around the trauma the children of the deceased will be experiencing following this tragedy.

ENDS

Background To Preventing Violence In The Home
Preventing Violence in the Home is New Zealand’s largest not for profit organisation addressing the endemic and often secret issue of domestic violence in the homes of New Zealand.

We offer awareness, education and professional support to our communities and encourage a safe and violence free attitude towards the lives of our children, families and friends.

Historic: Operating for nearly 20 years our organisation has grown dramatically in response to recent need. We have pioneered screening work with hospitals, with crisis services for children, joint case management of high risk families with the NZ Police, and we are integral to three major national (pilot) initiatives to help deliver safer communities.

Vision: We want to achieve a level of ‘’zero tolerance’’ to domestic violence and for this to be as natural to all New Zealanders, as putting on a seatbelt or not smoking in public places as these habits are now for New Zealanders today.

We deliver a range of essential services, including:

• a National 0508 DV HELP (0508 384 357) Domestic Violence Helpline
• 24 Hour professional crisis and advocacy support for adult and child victims of domestic violence
• a Child Crisis Team for children who have witnessed traumatic family violence; this violence affects children who witness scenes many adults would find impossible to cope with
• a Stopping Violence programme to help educate abusive and violent offenders
• co-coordinating local interagency networks to ensure our services work together to keep people safe
• Safe @ Home - a programme to secure the homes of victims with replacement solid wood doors, window locks, security lighting and silent alarm systems
• Domestic Violence Training Programmes for volunteers, tertiary students, professionals, community groups and the Deaf community
• Workplace Trust & Support – a programme that addresses bullying and domestic violence in the workplace

We welcome enquiries for comment or further information about our services.

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 and if a situation is potentially dangerous, call the Police on 111.

ENDS

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