Family Violence? It’s OK to Ask for Help

The present dry conditions affecting the country will be putting an added strain on many families. Rural Women New Zealand is organising drought events to bring people together to support each other at this time.  Funding support for such events may be available by contact Rural Women NZ’s national office – (04) 473 5524.

If you need specific help in the case of breakdown in family relationships and violence, it’s good to be aware of the It’s OK to Ask for Help campaign.

Often people want help from friends, family and neighbours. What you do and say can make a difference to someone’s life. 

Violence is not just physical. Some common signs that one person is controlling and intimidating another are:

• constant criticising
• texting and or calling to check up
• telling someone what to do, wear, and say
• pressure to have sex
• controlling finances
• harming animals.

How can you help?
Listen to your intuition.  If you feel something’s not right, here are some things to say:
• Are you ok?
• I’m worried about the way your partner checks up on you all the time
• If you ever need to talk about anything, I’m available

It takes a lot of courage for someone who is in a violent or controlling relationship to tell someone about it.

If a victim tells you, it’s important to listen and take it seriously.  If someone talks to you about wanting to hurt or control their family, it’s important to challenge the behaviour not the person.

Let people know that help is available. Call the family violence information line on 0800 456 450 to find local services.

Never put your own safety at risk.  If a situation is dangerous and someone might get hurt, call the Police on 111, even if you’re not sure.

For more information go to www.areyouok.org.nz