Barnardos welcomes funding boost for frontline family violence services
Barnardos is welcoming the Prime Minister’s announcement that frontline family violence services will get a significant
funding boost in this year’s Budget.
Jeff Sanders, Chief Executive, says that “As a family violence service provider, Barnardos works directly with tamariki
and whānau experiencing the immediate and aftermath impacts of family violence. We see family violence is a problem
throughout Aotearoa, detrimentally affecting tamariki and whānau from all walks of life.”
“This funding boost is significant, urgently needed and will make a real difference. We know that for tamariki and
whānau to effectively rebuild their lives after family violence and to go on to thrive, access to timely and expert
support services is essential. This announcement is a positive first step”, Mr. Sanders says.
Barnardos provides a range of family violence support services for tamariki and whānau. These include Barnardos’
Children’s Safety Programme and Footsteps to Feeling Safe, for tamariki who have witnessed or experienced family
violence. Through the Programme, children develop a safety plan to help them stay safe, and are supported to make sense
of their experience and develop a sense of hope for the future. Children are supported to build their confidence, and to
know how and where to get help if it is needed.
Mr. Sanders says that family violence is a problem Barnardos is committed to helping prevent, and that alongside putting
children at the heart of its work, Barnardos takes a holistic view, working with parents too.
“We actively support parents, families and whānau to understand the negative influence and effects of family violence,
and how they can build a family environment that is violence free, so tamariki and the whole family can thrive.
Feedback from participants in our family violence services shows that Barnardos programmes make a real and positive
difference for tamariki and whānau.
“As well as receiving referrals for family violence services from Oranga Tamariki, the Ministry of Social Development
and the Ministry of Justice, a significant proportion of Barnardos’ work supporting those who have experienced family
violence comes through non-formal referral channels, reflecting the widespread nature of family violence.
“Given that family violence is a pervasive problem facing many of the families we work with, we know we need to
constantly strengthen the services we provide, so tamariki and whānau are well-supported. We also know that the impacts
of family violence can be life-long, and that family violence is a stressor which is rarely experienced in isolation.
So, we welcome funding and support from Government that recognises this reality,” says Mr Sanders.
ENDS