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A Nation in Denial
NATIONAL COLLECTIVE of INDEPENDENT WOMEN’S REFUGES INC.
MEDIA RELEASE – 20 July 2009
A Nation in Denial
Women’s Refuge says New Zealanders still do not want to talk about domestic violence and refuse to confront the reality that exists behind closed doors.
Chief Executive, Heather Henare, spoke out today at the launch of the Women’s Refuge Annual Appeal in Wellington, saying, “New Zealanders still do not want to talk about domestic violence and refuse to confront the reality that exists behind closed doors.”
She said, “Many are still reluctant to accept that domestic violence is happening in their neighbourhood, family or within their group of friends.”
“We still seem to be prepared to tolerate violence towards women, if we think it is somehow justified. If her behaviour isn’t perfect, if she doesn’t please in some way, if she takes out a protection order, if she accepts compensation money, if she speaks out, if she leaves the relationship, if she stays in the relationship, if she chooses to live with some measure of freedom, she is somehow responsible for the abuse.”
“But there is no reason why any woman should be controlled with violence. A fair society should acknowledge that, I think. It seems that even after a woman has been killed, she has no defence against the blaming and character assassination that takes place in the name of provocation.”
“Women are silenced if they speak out – in one way or another. Until this issue achieves the visibility it deserves, until we stop blaming women for men’s violence, Women’s Refuge will be needed to speak out on their behalf.”
Ms Henare says, “In this year’s campaign we want to send a message about the hidden nature of domestic violence, but we do want to show that there can be light at the end of a very dark tunnel.”
Although much of our work is never seen, Women’s Refuge is helping thousands of women and children every year. Lives are being turned around and that is why we are talking about ‘helping her see a way out.’”
The Women’s Refuge Annual Appeal runs from 20 -26 July.
Women’s Refuge is New Zealand’s most significant family violence organisation, with a 35 year history of providing comprehensive services for women and children
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