MEDIA RELEASE
April 17, 2009
Veitch should contribute to anti-violence work

The Mental Health Foundation is challenging former broadcaster Tony Veitch to take responsibility for his horrific assault on a former girlfriend, and look to make a meaningful contribution to future work against family violence.

Veitch pleaded guilty to a charge of reckless disregard causing injury in Auckland District Court yesterday against his former partner Kristin Dunne-Powell. Six further charges of assault were dropped as part of a plea bargain arrangement.

“We’ve heard Mr Veitch’s public statements about his relief that his trial his over and of his desire to move on, but we’d like to know what he has learnt from this experience,” says Mental Health Foundation chief executive Judi Clements. “How will he take genuine responsibility for his actions and contribute to work being done to reduce incidence of family violence in New Zealand?”

The high-profile nature of the Veitch case, fuelled by his celebrity status, does nothing to acknowledge the hidden everyday victims of family violence.

“There are 120 reported cases of abuse each week in Auckland alone, but most family violence is not exposed,” Clements continues. “Victims live in fear and whole families live daily with a culture of violence. Contrary to the impression given by Mr Veitch, violence is not ‘one-off’ but happens as part of a pattern of behaviour which has serious and ongoing psychological effects.”

The Foundation believes Veitch’s comments on radio that his case should have been solved quietly show a lack of responsibility being taken for his actions.

“Survivors of family violence deserve unequivocal acknowledgement from the perpetrator that they have been wronged and that the violence is not their fault. That has not happened in this case,” Clements says. “Family violence thrives in atmospheres of denial and blame, and adds more pressure to victims who are already experiencing mental trauma.”

ENDS

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