How you can be apart of the solution

These are some organisations and providers that offer support for people who are experiencing or have observed someone who could be suffering abusive behaviour. 

You might think you're ticking along alright, but as life throws you situations, you may realise that your reaction is a product of  trauma you have suffered.  It is important to work on them, change and break the cycle for you and your family. I started counselling for my grief initially after the passing of family members, and with the support of Tautoko Mai, I slowly started to unravel my trauma. The more sessions I attended with my counsellor, the more I knew I was safe and supported in a trustworthy space. I have don this for 8 years and can attest to the impact that it can have. You dont need to bare the filthy feelings,  be brave, and 'start by believing'. It is also important to note that in some cases ACC covers the cost of therapy sessions under their sensitive claims unit.

A first call responder for when quick help is needed for children in danger or neglect. Generally there is no smoke without fire, so  if you see something report it. You see a child being harmed? Become a 'Karen'! Better to investigate and be wrong, then not at all.  If you have been reported to Oranga Tamariki, take it as an opportunity to look around at your life and see what improvements need to be made.  Sometimes parents don't recognise harmful cycles they are feeding until it's interrupted, so reflect on the behaviour presented.  It is also important to talk your children, have a chat and see if you might be missing something that they are struggling with.  Too many kids are not ok, because too many people aren't doing anything. 

An especially important service for immediate help, and now have better training to be able to support victims of family violence and sexual abuse cases. Please be thorogh and persistent in your reporting if you have seen something and have suspiscions that anyone is in danger, especially children. If you have concerns about your identity being known when reporting a situation to the police, please not you can request that your name remain anonymous if you wish.

As an adult I used their services, they offer wrap around support and safety as no one knows where it is. My first week they  arranged for me to have a support person accompany to collect my stuff from the house I had to leave. They  helped me find somewhere else to live,  assisted me to sort tenancy issues,  helped enrol my kids in school, supported me in setting up a new bank account seperate from my abuser. no ask too big. There was no pressure to get back on your feet immediately either.  Mothers need to protect their children, it is our job, if your partner is unsafe- get away! If that home is no longer safe  for your kids, get gone! No question about it. In my experience, they won't change. 

A vital service in getting a helping hand with managing either your own substance abuse issues , or if you are feeling the effects of a friend or family members addictve behaviour too.  Addcition is hard for both the addict and the people in their lives too, having support to manage that is important, and it looks different for everyone! 

Another option for help if you need to talk someone but can't or don't want to call on the phone, this organisation gives you the option to text instead. This is all completely free and confidential to use.