Locals Front Family Violence Campaign

Date: 20 September 2012

Locals Front Family Violence Campaign

Media Release sent on behalf of Hauraki Family Violence Intervention Network

Local champions from all walks of life are fronting a campaign against family violence in Paeroa, launching this weekend.

A total of 26 locals have put their names and faces to the campaign. They include the mayor, high school students, men who have turned their lives around, sports people, community leaders and Police.

The three-month campaign will raise awareness about family violence and the affect of alcohol-fuelled violence on children who experience or witness violence at home.

Billboards will be put up on roads leading into Paeroa and posters of the 26 champions will be displayed round the town. A slide show of the champions will run in five local stores and radio stations will be playing champions’ messages.

“Family violence is so often hidden behind closed doors. By putting up billboards and posters we bring it out into the open and make it easier for people to get help whether they are using violence or are on the receiving end of it,” spokesperson Rachel Harrison said.

“We know that only about 20% of family violence is reported to Police – after it’s happened. If we are really going to stop violence happening all of us need to get involved.

“We invited local people to be part of this campaign and are absolutely delighted that 26 everyday people agreed to stand up and speak out,” she said.

“Having local people front the campaign sends a message that every person in a community can be part of reducing and preventing violence in families they know.”

A family fun day is planned for this Sunday, 23 September.

The campaign has been developed by the Hauraki Family Violence Intervention Network in partnership with the Hauraki District Council, Population Health Waikato District Health Board and the National It’s not OK Campaign, as well as local community groups.

Paeroa was voted Community of the Year this year.

ENDS

‘It’s Not OK in Paeroa’ Family Violence Campaign
Questions and Answers
What is this campaign really about?
It’s about raising awareness and understanding that growing up around violence and witnessing violence harms children. It’s not just being on the receiving end. It’s about seeing it happen to people they love.

Why is Paeroa being targeted for this campaign?
Many other places in New Zealand have run similar awareness raising campaigns using the It’s Not OK – It is OK to ask for help’ messages’, ( eg Waihi, Hamilton, Waitakere, Manukau City, Taranaki). This campaign is not about saying that Paeroa is worse than anywhere else, it’s about saying that we are trying to do something about a serious issue that exists in New Zealand.

How much is it costing?
The campaign is being financially supported by the It’s Not OK campaign, Population Health Waikato District Health Board and ALAC. Hauraki District Council has also provided an $8,000 grant.

What are the statistics for Paeroa?
In 2011 100 incidents of family violence were recorded by police in Paeroa (involving 149 children). Alcohol was a factor in 63 of the cases. Most of that violence occurred between the caregivers/ parents of the children. Only 20% of family violence is reported to the Police.

How will you know if it works?
There will be an evaluation of the campaign, funded by ALAC

What media are you using to get the message out?
• Four billboards on roads leading into Paeroa
• Slideshow of messages/photos featuring local champions to be played at the College, a local liquor outlet, local hardware shop and the Skate and Leisure Centre.
• Radio advertising - messages from each of the champions
• Posters of the champions (A3 and A4 size)
•
What do the billboards say?
1. Join us to make Paeroa safer for everyone. Family violence – it’s not ok in Paeroa
2. Our communities are safer when we stand together. Family violence – it’s not ok in Paeroa
3. Join us to be violence free in Paeroa. Family violence – it’s not ok in Paeroa
4. Join us to make Paeroa safer for our kids. Family violence – it’s not ok in Paeroa

Who are the local people who feature in the slideshow and why were they
chosen?
We approached people in the community who were willing to stand up and try and
make a difference for the children of Paeroa. We were looking for recognisable faces
and people from all walks of life. Champions include:
• Rino Wilkinson (Local DJ)
• Mayor John Tregidga MNZM JP
• Dave, Sandra and Paul Milner (Business owners and HDC Councillor)
• Lara Beisly (Police)
• Julie and John Bubbs (HDC Councillor and Farmer)
• Bill Tissingh (Pastor and Chaplain)
• Rod Coe (Deputy Principal)
• Grant Bowen (Business Owner)
• Jack Keeys (Head Boy)
• Vicky Tissingh (Deputy Head Girl)
• Elliot Piahana (Deputy Head Boy)
• Emilie Gillingham (Head Girl)
• Mike O'Donnell (Artist)
• Winn Brownlee (Kuia)
• Bryan Dunn (retired Policeman)
• Meretaka Heta (Youth worker)
• George Marsh (Youth group 'It takes one')
• Shar Pene (Youth trainer and part of the It Takes One Youth Group)
• Paora (Pawky) Raharaha (Truancy officer and teacher aide)
• Rob Cooper (business person)
• Tarren Griffiths (Mum)
• Munday Pakinga (MSD worker)
• William Barrett (Student nurse and ex gym owner)

ENDS

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