Letters are being sent out to potential family violence offenders in the lead up to Christmas warning them to behave or suffer the consequences.
The move is the first of its kind in the Central District policing area and is an initiative being run in conjunction with the National Campaign for Action on Family Violence. Those receiving letters will also be paid personal visits both before and after Christmas.
For most of us the festive season is pleasantly full of family get-togethers, business functions, holidays and present hunting with us looking forward to catching up with family and celebrating the relationships we are part of.
Unfortunately, for some of our community it is anything but a joyful time; rather a period of fearful anticipation. Christmas and New Year heralds an extremely busy time for those involved in dealing with family violence with a marked increase in family violence offences.
District Family Violence Co-ordinator Maree Hill said: "It can be very stressful over the festive season finding enough money to cover bills and presents and managing the expectations of the season. It puts an additional strain on relationships and can have far reaching and devastating costs.
"By sending letters to specific individuals it will leave them in no doubt that we know their propensity for violence, and that if they step out of line they will face arrest."
Nationally, the police respond to a family violence incident every 7½ minutes. On average, 14 women, 6 men and 10 children are killed by a member of their family every year. About a third of all murders in New Zealand are family violence related.
Police in Central District attend on average 487 calls to attend reports of family violence per month; approximately 16 incidents per day.
As the police and social agencies gear up for the annual increased demand on their services it is a poignant time to draw public attention to the wide range of support services available through the national campaign's helpline - "It is OK to Ask for Help" on 0800 456 450. An alternative is calling your local Women's Refuge on 0800 733 843.
Of course anyone finding themselves in a family violence situation where they feel threatened for their immediate safety or a member of the public is aware of a family violence situation unfolding, they should ring police immediately.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256 or District Family Violence Co-ordinator Maree Hill on 06 351 2542 or 027 279 0358.