Give a gift to help children

Reports of domestic violence surge at Christmas time, resulting in some women and children fleeing their homes with nothing.

In 2017, 50,000 women and children were assisted by the Women’s Refuge, with 4847 of them asking for help during the Christmas period.

But Taranaki Women’s Refuge manager Janice Jessiman said the struggle continued into January for many families.

‘‘I often think it’s a little bit later in January when we see a lot of domestic violence spikes because of the extra stress that will happen after Christmas around a shortfall of money and family maybe being home at Christmas time.’’

‘‘It’s all of those pressures,’’ relationship manager for Taranaki’s Women’s Refuge, Shona Smith, added.

This year Women’s Refuge has launched the Give a Gift appeal, which sees the public donate presents for children affected by domestic violence.

Until Friday, December 21, donated presents can be dropped off at any Bunnings Warehouse around the country to be given to the local Women’s Refuge for families in need.

In December 2017, all 40 Women’s Refuge safe houses around the country were at capacity. This included 1629 children, which meant many went without a Christmas.

Smith said they were thankful that Bunnings was supporting the Give a Gift appeal and said it was great the Women’s Refuge social workers got to gift presents to those who they’ve seen really need it.

‘‘It’s an intense but a magical time of the year,’’ she said.

‘‘The great thing about that is it’s coming to us and it’s our girls who are on the ground with these families who see who needs it.

‘‘They can make sure the gifts get to the right place.

‘‘I remember personally at least three women who came in last year, who had been survivors themselves, and you can tell as soon as they walk in the door and lock eyes with you that they’re in a good place now, but they actually want to give back so they’ve made presents themselves.’’

Smith and Jessiman hope that people will look out for each other this Christmas.

‘‘Make the call to the police, offer support, contact us at Refuge – women need to know we are all here for them.’’

SIMON O’CONNOR/STUFF Gifts are being collected at Bunnings Warehouses for children affected by domestic violence this Christmas. Holding presents are Shona Smith, left, and Janice Jessiman, of the Taranaki Women’s Refuge.