24 October 2006

Violence free’s the way 2 B say Counties Manukau communities

“Choose 2 B Violence Free” - that’s the message from Counties Manukau Family Violence awareness week from 2-12 November.

South Auckland Family Violence Prevention Network (SAFVPN) is coordinating the week’s activities.

The initiative will begin with a march through Manukau City Centre and a rally in Manukau Square on Thursday 2 November, at which a teal ribbon campaign will be launched.
People are encouraged to wear the ribbon to support a personal and community effort on this journey. Teal was chosen because it is a colour midway between the black despair of violence and abuse and the white of freedom and creativity.
Performances by entertainers from the South Auckland region, plus other activities will follow speeches by Sir Barry Curtis, Mayor of Manukau; Steve Shortland, District Commander, Counties Manukau Police; and other community representatives.

During the week the TV2 bus will tour Counties Manukau communities and workshops will be held to spread the word about the kind of help and support services available for families.

Rodger Smith, Manager of SAVFPN, says:

“Family Violence thrives in secrecy, which is why awareness weeks like this are vital. The aim of the campaign is to let families know that there is help available and that there are places and people to support them.

“We invite people from across Counties Manukau to join together and make a collective stand against violence in our communities, and to make a commitment to building whole and healthy relationships.”

What: Launch of “Choose 2 B Violence Free” - Counties Manukau family violence awareness week
When: Thursday 2 November, from 9am
Where: 9am March gathers at Hayman Park, Manukau City
10.30am Rally in Manukau Square.
Official launch of the awareness week and teal ribbon campaign by Sir Barry Curtis and
Steve Shortland.

Notes to editors:

- SAVFPN is a network of non-governmental organisations, local and central government, schools, community and whanau of Counties Manukau whose interests lie in collaborative action against violence in our community.

- Statistics show that incidences of family violence increase over the Christmas period. The awareness week has been timed to help support police and reduce the frequency of incidents during this time.

- New Zealand Family violence statistics:

- Every year about 10 children are killed in New Zealand by a member or members of their family.
- Between 20 November 05 and January 06, six women were killed by their partners or former partners, leaving 19 children without their mother.
- During December 05 and January 06 police attended nearly 11,000 incidents of reported family violence – that’s about 1 incident every 8 minutes. More than 6,000 children witnessed this violence; more than half were under 5 years old.

ENDS

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