Flowers for mothers in refuges

When you are in a tough spot, special occasions can fall by the wayside. But for more than 400 women and children spending Mother’s Day in a refuge centre, a bunch of flowers will brighten their day.

As part of an initiative by Feel Good With Flowers, more than 5000 flowers have been arranged into bouquets by more than 50 florists nationwide.

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the world and women are more likely to experience family violence. Of those assaulted in family violence incidents,

23 per cent suffered injuries, with 15 per cent requiring treatment for physical, mental or emotional health issues.

Women’s Refuge spokeswoman Susan Barker said there were more than 50,000 women and children referred to the service last year, and an estimated 440 women and children would spend this Mother’s Day in a refuge.

The floral arrangements took an estimated 200 hours collectively to design and distribute, and were valued at more than $50,000.

‘‘I know a lot of the mums feel a mixture of negative emotions when they come into a refuge. They feel bad for taking their kids out of home even though it was not a great environment. They feel as though in some way they have failed their children,’’ Barker said.

‘‘At the refuges we are able to provide the basics like clothing and food. But a gift such as this goes beyond the everyday items. It honours these mothers and treats them to something special.’’

Often children were quite protective of their mothers, having seen them go through a hard time, and often mothers were the person standing in between their children and the person dishing out abuse.

‘‘They will see her celebrated on Mother’s Day when they are not in a position to do it themselves,’’ Barker said.