White Ribbon Dinner well supported
Children who experience early childhood trauma do not just get over it, was the message delivered by guest speaker Keryn Doyle of The Trust Pahiatua on November 22, during the White Ribbon dinner at the Dannevirke Services and Citizen’s Club.
A crowd of over 80 participated in an informative evening compered by Teeny Lowe, mixing food, company and a lively auction with the grim details of domestic violence’s impact on young children.
The White Ribbon Fundraiser started with a presentation to Tararua’s fourth White Ribbon ambassador and its first woman ambassador, Deanne Veerkamp.
Tararua ambassador Tamai Nicholson presented her with a plaque and flowers, saying Deanne had worked hard behind the scenes supporting the cause against family violence, and that she was passionate about people.
Keryn Doyle — who has been in early childhood education, a lecturer at Victoria University and is now working for the Pahiatua Community Services Trust — described the effects of domestic violence on children up to the age of three.
She identified nine consequences of exposure to domestic violence, including impaired brain development, difficulty in relating successfully with others, reduced ability to cope with stress.
She said these lead to real challenges dealing with life later on.
Keryn said every child needed at least one adult to nurture and calm them in a crisis otherwise the children will develop hyperarousal — an aggressive reaction as a natural response.
Many go on to perpetuate domestic violence as parents themselves.
Her advice was to provide that nurture for the child.
“Aroha grows brains,” she said.
Auctioneer Craig Boyden sold 15 items donated by the public.
They ranged from driftwood art, a small korowai [cloak] and White Ribbon Art prints to a Thai vase, two toasters, a tea set and an earring and necklace set.
Proceeds from the auction were in excess of $1500 and this, with the proceeds from the dinner, will swell the coffers of the White Ribbon Committee.