For immediate release
25 November 2014
On White Ribbon Day, and every day, Plunket is here to help

On White Ribbon Day, Plunket says the impact family violence has on children is not OK, but it is OK to ask for help, and is encouraging parents in violent or abusive relationships to seek help for themselves and their children.

“Plunket nurses are among the health professionals here to help. We can connect you with the services to support you to become violence free, or get out of a violent situation,” said Plunket Clinical Advisor Sandra Innes. “Violence can make you feel isolated, but there are lots of people in the community who are ready to help.”

She said family violence is a significant health and a social issue: “Family violence, including child abuse and neglect, has a devastating, long term and inter-generational effect on the health and wellbeing of children, families and communities. Children thrive when the people around them are in positive non-violent relationships. This is fundamental to children feeling and being safe, and is essential to their growth and development.”

She said all New Zealanders have a role to play in ending family violence and violence towards women: “We can all take action to protect our most vulnerable citizens from abuse. We need to be looking for preventative measures and asking ourselves questions about how we can support families to care for and raise their children safely.”

White Ribbon Day is part of an ongoing international campaign when people, communities and organisations including Plunket send the message that violence against women and family violence is not OK.

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, contact one of these agencies for help:

• It’s not OK campaign Family Violence Information Line 0800 456 450
• Women’s Refuge crisis line 0800 733 843
• National Network Stopping Violence Services website nnsvs.org.nz
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Plunket also provides free parenting courses where parents and caregivers can learn strategies to practice positive non-violent parenting, more information is available at plunket.org.nz or by calling PlunketLine on 0800 933922.

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