Media release
18 May 2006

Budget Announcement Recognises Seriousness of Family Violence in NZ

The Families Commission says the Budget announcement of $11.5m for a campaign against family violence is the investment in prevention that it has been waiting for.

The Chief Commissioner, Rajen Prasad says “The funding recognises just how endemic and devastating the problem is in New Zealand. The Commission has been calling for a long term, multi-faceted campaign to change attitudes and behaviours toward family violence for almost a year and we will play a leading role in this initiative.

The Commission has committed a significant amount of its own funding over the next three years to the campaign.

“We will be taking a leading role, working in partnership with government, organisations and communities to develop public education programmes and research. The Commission, in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development, has a research project underway that will provide a better understanding of attitudes and behaviour toward family violence.

“The extent of family violence within New Zealand is both horrifying and shameful.
The casualties include those who are killed, injured and hospitalised. But less obvious casualties are the destruction of families, and the loss of healthy, happy futures. This must change and central to this is a well thought out, long term campaign to change attitude and behaviour.

“We cannot and must not accept any level of family violence. Changing people’s attitudes doesn’t happen overnight. This campaign will be designed to be built on over time, and as with the campaigns, Like Minds and Smokefree, it will lead to a gradual change in attitudes,” said Dr Prasad.

ENDS

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