How to help stop family violence
An Auckland professor is calling on people to speak up more in an effort to curb domestic violence in our area.
Professor Denise Wilson from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) says communities collectively have an important role in the prevention of domestic violence.
Wilson is the director of the Taupua Wairoa Centre for Ma¯ori Health Research at AUT. She is also chair of the Family Violence Prevention Investment Advisory Board and deputy chair of the Family Violence Death Review Committee.
Speaking at Mauri Oho Mauri Ora: A Hikoi of Transformation last month she says family violence is often misunderstood.
‘‘It [family violence] is not an isolated incident. It is a pattern of harm that occurs over time.’’
Often wha¯nau and friends know something is not right. Some of the signs to look out for include controlling behaviours or intimidation, she says.
If someone is being threatened, or the violence seems severe and frequent, ‘‘this is serious – ring the police, dial 111’’.
‘‘Thinking it is not your problem ignores the safety of someone who needs your help – remember family violence seriously harms and kills New Zealand children and adults.’’
If you are concerned about a person’s safety, call 0508 326 459.