I was a Cop for 21 years... this was a typical call up for me on ANY shift I worked. Please note addresses are fictional.

Comms: CTI from Comms. Go to 12 Smith Street Auckland - male assaulting female. Neighbours hear shouting, arguing and woman screaming 'please dont hurt me anymore'.

CTI (Police uniformed car): Copy Comms, any history?

Comms: CTI - History of previous violence against females, assaults Police, Mental Health Issues and Carries Firearm / Weapon.

CTI: Copy approval for taser if required?

Comms: Yes approved

I don't think a shift would go by without attending a 1D - (a Domestic Violence Situation) sometimes our entire shift would be dominated by domestics. This could involve anything from boyfriend / girlfriend , wife / husband, male partner/male partner, Father / Son.... you get the idea. Anyone that has any remote relationship with another person whether it be sexual, friends-zone or family then its considered a domestic and all Domestic Violence Laws apply.

Family violence is never ok. Learn the signs of and where to get help if you or someone you know is subjected to family violence now.

Family violence has got to stop. With over 80% of incidents unreported in NZ and up to 525,000 people hurt each year, it’s something none of us should let slide by. The NZ Police say that they respond to an incident of family violence every five and a half minutes, or 279 times per day. Statistics also show that children are either the victims or witnesses to around 80% of violent incidents too. Today I’m going to explain what family violence is and where you can go for help if you or someone you know is a victim of it.

WHAT IS FAMILY VIOLENCE?

Family violence, also known as domestic violence, is a crime. It is against the law for anyone to cause you harm in a physical, sexual or psychological manner. This can include, but is not limited to:

• Hitting, punching, slapping, kicking
• Tying down, locking up or pushing
• Threatening to harm or gesturing to harm you
• Manipulation, mind games, hurting pets, stalking, taking away decisions
• Swearing, lying, name calling, controlling your choices
• Damaging property, blaming, unwanted touching, biting
• Taking your money, running debts in your name
• Not providing food, shelter and medicine
• Leaving dependents with unsafe caregivers or neglect

The website Are You OK states the danger signs of severe family violence which could result in deaths are:

• Intimidation
• Worsening violence
• Controlling behaviour
• Stalking
• Threats to kill
• Possessiveness
• Strangulation

It’s important you act immediately if you are or someone you know is showing any of these danger signs. Call 111 to speak to the police or 0800 456 450 to talk with the It’s Not OK team now!

WHERE CAN YOU TURN FOR HELP FOR FAMILY VIOLENCE?

Regardless of the level of violence occurring, help is available now! If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111. Other places you can get help from include:

• Family Violence Information Line – 0800 456 450 between 9am-11pm
• Women’s Refuge – accommodation for women and children, call 0800 733 843
• National Network of Stopping Violence Services
• Age Concern – information and support for older adults
• Shakti – focus on cultural discrimination and violence issues
• NZ Police – assistance with Police Safety Orders and Protection Orders
• Shine – for workplace violence
• What’s Up – focus on children, teenagers and their families
• Man Alive – support for males in violent relationships

Feeling safe and secure is essential to your well-being. It’s important to realise that you are not alone and there are people ready to help keep you and your family safe now. Please don’t wait to seek help – do it now!

Family violence, also known as domestic violence, is a crime. It is against the law for anyone to cause you harm in a physical, sexual or psychological manner. This can include, but is not limited to;

• Hitting, punching, slapping, kicking
• Tying down, locking up or pushing
• Threatening to harm or gesturing to harm you
• Manipulation, mind games, hurting pets, stalking, taking away decisions
• Swearing, lying, name calling, controlling your choices
• Damaging property, blaming, unwanted touching, biting
• Taking your money, running debts in your name
• Not providing food, shelter and medicine
• Leaving dependents with unsafe caregivers or neglect

Danger signs of severe family violence;

• Intimidation
• Worsening violence
• Controlling behaviour
• Stalking
• Threats to kill
• Possessiveness
• Strangulation

It’s important you act immediately if you are or someone you know is showing any of these danger signs. Call 111 to speak to the police or 0800 456 450 to talk with the It’s Not OK team now!

WHERE CAN YOU TURN FOR HELP FOR FAMILY VIOLENCE?

REGARDLESS OF THE LEVEL OF VIOLENCE OCCURRING, HELP IS AVAILABLE NOW! IF YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE IS IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, CALL 111.

• Family Violence Information Line – 0800 456 450 between 9am-11pm
• Women’s Refuge – accommodation for women and children, call 0800 733 843
• National Network of Stopping Violence Services
• Age Concern – information and support for older adults
• Shakti – focus on cultural discrimination and violence issues
• NZ Police – assistance with Police Safety Orders and Protection Orders
• Shine – for workplace violence
• What’s Up – focus on children, teenagers and their families
• Man Alive – support for males in violent relationships

Feeling safe and secure is essential to your well-being. It’s important to realise that you are not alone and there are people ready to help keep you and your family safe now. Please don’t wait to seek help – do it now!