Read some appalling statistics today - in Northland, our region, police attend an average of 17 domestic calls a day. That is 17 too many! Especially when you consider over 75% of domestic violence incidents are not reported to police. So the actual numbers are far far worse.
Each year an average of 27 men, women and children are killed due to family violence. That is 27 too many.
One of the common myths about domestic violence is ‘Why doesn’t she just leave?’. The important thing to remember is that no-one asks to be abused . The responsibility lies firmly with the abuser to stop their behaviour.
Family violence is a pattern of physical, sexual, emotional or financial violence that leaves the victim intimidated, hurt and fearful for their life, and the lives of their family. Learn more about this pattern of power and control, and the types of abuse.
Domestic violence is not limited to any demographic. It happens in rural and urban areas, within all age, religious and ethnic groups, and across all socio-economic groups. It can happen between people who are married, in de facto relationships or just dating. Domestic violence happens in same sex relationships, too.
The Domestic Violence Act 1995 legally protects anyone in a domestic relationship from violence: married couples; unmarried couples; gay and lesbian couples; children; family; anyone in a close relationship; and flatmates and
others who may share accommodation from violence.
If the victim cannot stand up for themselves it is those in the community around them to open our eyes and not stand by and allow it to happen. We need to say it's not okay.
So exercise your NO muscle when you see violence in our society, as the change starts with all of us saying it's not okay!
Read more at Northern Advocate article.
For statistics look at Family Violence statistics
For support or advice see http://areyouok.org.nz/
Other links: MASSIVE, Womens Refuge NZ, Justice Dept, Legislation
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