Domestic Violence Survivors Speak Out

Today’s release of the discussion paper ‘Protecting victims, rebuilding lives, sending the right message’ reinforces that domestic violence - and the official mechanisms to confront it - are still very much issues which need addressing says Christchurch Women's Refuge.

The discussion paper, written and released by survivors’ group ‘It’s Still Not Ok’, notes the frustrations which domestic violence survivors face when dealing with government agencies, laws and policies. “The thousands of women and children who experience domestic violence find that even once they make the leap to improve their lives, the practical support they need from government is often not there for them” says Christchurch Women's Refuge CEO Annette Gillespie. “This paper - which is an insightful and much needed account of reality from survivors themselves - highlights the frustrations of women who have to stand up not only to an abuser, but to bureaucracy. A large part to our work at Refuge is spent advocating on women’s behalf just to get them the practical assistance they need to live and be safe.”

Gillespie notes that the “It’s Not OK” campaign has been successful in increasing awareness, and has coincided with an increase in demand for Christchurch Women's Refuge’s services. “What domestic violence survivors themselves say in this paper, and what we in Refuge know all too well, is that the resources to reinforce that campaign are not easily available, despite one in three New Zealand women experiencing sexual or physical assault from a partner. This paper offers a real opportunity for government to rise to the challenge of making practical changes to policy and that will underscore the It’s Not Ok campaign with real support and resources.”

Despite the difficulties they can experience Gillespie emphasises that it is vital that women who have experienced domestic violence in any of its forms (financial, physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional), do come forward and seek help. “This discussion paper notes frustrations with the system, but it is also testament to how hard these women have worked to improve their lives and those of their families – I hope it encourages other women to do the same.”

ENDS

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