The Family Violence Co-ordinator for the North Shore Waitakere Rodney Police District, is urging everyone who witnesses, has knowledge of, or is a victim of domestic violence, to always call Police without hesitation.
Senior Sergeant Dave Ryan says with the Christmas festive season fast approaching, the incidents of domestic and family violence increase dramatically. Often there is reluctance by persons to call police through fear of reprisal, or other related reason.
"Christmas is a very emotional time of the year. It is an expensive time for many families. The impact of these costs is sometimes psychological. More often it becomes a time for fear, when it should be a time for happiness and cheer," he said.
'Christmas is the busiest period for agencies dealing with the casualties of domestic violence and children are the biggest victims. Often it is the children who don't understand what has happened, why it happens, and how to prevent it happening.'
'Domestic violence is often escalated by arguments over money, relationships, and access to children, visiting relatives, plus a variety of other domestic causes and issues. Some arguments disintegrate into domestic violence causing injury to victims, distress and real confusion to children.
'This year Police would like to see everyone in the community get through Christmas safely, and avoid any situation that has the potential to escalate into physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual abuse.'
'Police have released practical suggestions to assist the community have an enjoyable, calm, happy and safe Festive Season, over Xmas and New Year.' They are.
• Set aside money to cover bills in January and February.
• Don't spend more on Christmas than you can afford. Christmas is about spending more time together as a family, not just about buying expensive gifts.
• Moderate your own drinking - you don't need to drink to excess to enjoy life.
• Don't drink and drive - You will be caught. Arrange for reliable transport to get you home, prior to going out. Seek to protect your friends and family too if they've been drinking socially at work functions, or special Christmas gatherings.
• If your situation has become tense, heated or stressful - take time out. Go somewhere quiet for a few hours to let any feelings and emotions calm down.
• If you are feeling afraid, vulnerable, overwhelmed, talk to someone you trust.
• Don't sweat the small stuff - minor problems can be resolved without arguments.
• If you share joint custody of children - come to an agreement before Christmas, so that all the children get to spend time with each of you.
• Most importantly - if you have any fears for your own or your children's safety, contact the Police immediately. Police adopt a zero tolerance policy to family violence and arrest is a real possibility.
Senior Sergeant Ryan says the dynamics surrounding domestic violence are complex, and permanent changes take a long term commitment. Police don't expect to eliminate domestic violence with these suggestions, but they do hope that they help to make this Christmas a much safer one for everyone in the community.
"Xmas ...it is a time for cheer...not for fear," he said
'Anyone living in the North Shore/Waitakere/Rodney Police District, who requires assistance of any kind as a result of issues arising from domestic violence, can contact the Police Family Violence Unit in their respective locality.'
"These experienced Police Officers are specialists in their field and they are stationed at Henderson, Orewa, and North Shore Policing Centre," Senior Sergeant Ryan said.
Ends:
Dave Ryan
Senior Sergeant
District Family Violence Co-Coordinator
North Shore/Waitakere/Rodney Police
Mobile 0274 - 965 406