Women’s Refuge still there to help

In lockdown changes had to be made quickly to help women and children

In a short amount of time, Women’s Refuge had to change the way they worked during lockdown, says CEO of Women’s Refuge Dr Ang Jury. “I am very proud of the way in which refuges across the country responded — there was no disruption in the care we provided women and children despite many obstacle,” she says.

Ang says she is also very happy with the speed with which the Government responded with additional funding support, and the generosity of individuals and businesses who support refuge.

“Without it we would have struggled to meet the 35 per cent increase in demand on the same period last year.”

New Zealand has the highest rate of family violence in the developed world and there are concerns these rates could increase.

“We remain anxious about demand on our services over the next few months and the years to come. Sadly, we know that strained economic conditions are a perfect incubator for family violence.

“Increased unemployment, growing emotional and psychological distress, along with potential increases in self-medication, will provide fertile ground for family violence.”

Here are some FAQs from those concerned about family violence.

What if I am worried about someone I know?

If you are concerned about somebody else, you can support them by keeping in touch with them:

■ Agree on a ‘code word’ in advance with your friend. If they message you that word, you can call the police and ask them to check on them.

■ Ask them if they have the essential things they need (such as food, medication, and sanitary items) and help them to get them. Some abusive people will withhold these items.

■ Encourage them to get in touch with Women’s Refuge if they feel unsafe.

What if I feel unsafe?

We have several ways you can get in contact.

■ Ring our crisis line on 0800REFUGE

■ Send a FB message through Women’s Refuge FB Page

■ Email us on info@refuge.org.nz

■ Send a confidential message that is through our Shielded Site feature found on The Warehouse, NZ Post and many other major websites.

If you or a family member are in immediate danger call 111.

Women’s Refuge chief executive Dr Ang Jury during the media conference after the Budget 2020 announcement to increase support for New Zealand’s family and sexual violence services.