Family harm is a high priority for Police and reducing the number and impact of family harm episodes is a key Police strategy.
Police take every opportunity to prevent harm and reduce offending and victimisation. Police is committed to a prompt, effective and nationally consistent approach to family harm episodes in collaboration with other agencies/iwi and with community partners.
Family violence can be physical, sexual or psychological. It is not a private matter, it is a crime. Preventing and effectively responding to family violence is one of the greatest opportunities to improve the wellbeing and safety of our communities, and we all have a role to play.
Remember, in an emergency call 111. Your call could save a life.
Signs that someone is being harmed by a member of their family include:
- Controlling behaviour
- Intimidation
- Threats to kill
- Strangulation and choking
- Physical or sexual violence
- Jealousy or possessiveness
- Stalking.
Children living in homes where family violence is present may:
- Be fearful
- Be silent and withdrawn
- Be aggressive
- Be unusually well-behaved
- Show signs of violence or bruising
- Suddenly change behaviour
- Often be absent from school.
People experiencing family violence may be:
- Fearful or nervous
- Isolated or reclusive
- Sad or angry
- Lacking in confidence
- Keeping secrets
- Worried about a love one’s reaction
If you suspect someone close to you is a victim of family violence, it’s okay to get involved – you could save a life. You could ask them:
- Are you OK?
- Is someone hurting you?
- Is there anything I can do?
Other tips include:
- Always call Police if you think someone is in danger
- Talk about having a safety plan
- Listen and take what they are saying seriously
- Don’t tell them what to do – let them make their own decisions, however long it may take
- Give support, not advice.
Further information and support
Help and support is available 24 hours a day
- In an emergency, if someone needs urgent help, call Police on 111. Not safe to talk? Stay on the line. Without talking, follow the instructions from call-takers and menus. Press buttons when asked.
- Are You OK? — free and confidential 24/7 support and information for anyone experiencing family violence or if you are worried about someone else. Call 0800 456 450 or live chat with a trained counsellor on the website.
- Safe to Talk — free and confidential helpline for support and information about sexual violence. Call 0800 044 334, text 4334, email support@safetotalk.nz, or chat to counsellors online.
- Women’s Refuge — 24-hour advocacy and accommodation for women and their children experiencing family violence. Call 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE) or get support through live chat on the website.
- Change is Possible — anonymous 24/7 help for men using violence or concerned about their behaviour. Free call 0800 456 450 or live chat with a counsellor on the website.
- Need to Talk? — for people feeling stressed, down, or overwhelmed, free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
- Shakti — free 24/7 multi-lingual crisis-line for migrant and refugee women 0800SHAKTI (0800 742 584) or email crisisline@shakti.org.nz.
- Elder Abuse Response Service — 24/7 free confidential helpline for older people who are frightened, at risk, or concerned about how they are being treated, text 5032, email support@elderabuse.nz or phone 0800 32 668 65.