Walk Away from violence (video)

A police choir has joined forces with Kiwi singing star Tina Cross to take a powerful and heartfelt stand against family violence.

Tina, the Counties Manukau District Commander’s Police Choir and teenagers from Otahuhu Blue Light Choir joined forces to re-record Tina's song Walk Away, with its message of support for women in abusive relationships.

The video - including messages from Jude Simpson and Vic Tamati, champions for the national anti-violence campaign It’s Not OK – was launched at Counties Manukau Police District Headquarters. 

The launch included a live performance of the song, a screening of the video and speakers including Jude, Vic and Police Commissioner Mike Bush.

Choir leader Inspector Wati Chaplow and manager Martin Bailey approached Tina – who had twice previously performed with the choir - about collaborating on Walk Away, from her 2014 album Lay Down Your Heart. 

“She’s a true professional and an amazing performer,” says Wati. “We knew she had this song that dealt with family violence. Its lessons – ‘walk away’ and ‘give her a voice’ – are very apt to our work.”

He says the inclusion of Jude and Vic’s stories adds to the impact. “It’s hard for a victim to walk away but Jude is proof that it can be done. And Vic’s story shows that as an offender you can also walk away from that violence and anger.”

Tina, an ambassador for Women’s Refuge, says working with the police and Blue Light singers had been “absolutely brilliant”.

"We’re all in the same waka," she says. "The kaupapa is the same for us all, sworn officer or non-sworn. The most important thing is what the song can deliver.”

Useful links: www.police.govt.nz/advice/family-violence/help; areyouok.org.nz

Walk Away, written by Tina Cross, courtesy of Tina Cross. Licensed by Aeroplane Music Ltd

Photo: Senior Sergeant Ivan Tarlton, District Responsiveness Advisor