Town’s big push to reduce family violence

Family harm has long been a thorn in the South Waikato’s side over the festive season.

During the last December/ January holiday period police responded to approximately 200 incidents and this year it’s feared Covid-19’s impact may see things worsen.

Tokoroa Council of Social Services (TCOSS) general manager Josiah Teokotai said the agency’s 20 councillors have been run off their feet during 2020.

So in the hope of stopping family harm getting more out of hand a modern, orange approach is being taken.

‘‘For the last couple of years we have noticed our crime and violence statistics have been really high so TCOSS and a couple of other partners such as the police, South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services (SWPICS), and Halo, which is a [charity] food distributor, are looking at a whole new campaign around trying to reduce that,’’ he said.

‘‘Our colour is orange and we are going to try and get big orange stickers for shops to stick in their front windows saying people can come in and get some information about how to get help.

‘‘We have also talked about using Facebook live feeds which seem to be a huge drawcard on there, Instagram, videos and podcasts.

‘‘Everyone in the cities is doing it so we thought why don’t we give it a go too.

‘‘It is all about trying to reduce violence for families.’’

Teokotai said a mentoring connector programme is also being launched where 20 recognisable individuals from within the community will be equipped with information and tools to help combat the problem.

‘‘We will give them all the information and tools so that when someone comes to them for help they will be able to say this is where you can go and this is who is available over Christmas and New Year.

‘‘It is about being seen in the community.

‘‘In the gym, for example, there might be 200 people so if we put a notice up that there is a connector there, if someone needs support they will know who they are.’’

To further promote the cause he said an orange float will feature in Tokoroa’s Christmas parade and night market on December 12.

‘‘The solution is easy. Mobilise our people and make sure that everyone has the information so there is no excuse for not knowing where to get support and who to ring and talk to,’’ he said.