Police resource to highlight 'red flags' of a violent relationship

Wellington Police have created a visual aid to help people understand what kinds of behaviour are not okay when it comes to family violence.

Wellington District Community Policing Manager Inspector Karen Smith says, "Everyone knows that family violence is not okay but lots of people wonder what exactly is not okay."

She says it was this question which has led to the successful production of a poster, based on the 12 red flags used to determine the risk of homicide to a person.

The poster is now up in various women's rest rooms at Wellington city bars and pubs, Police stations, on trains and even at local DHB and ACC sites.

"So many people know family violence is not okay, but lots of people are unsure about what's not okay, and that is things like being scared, being stalked, being controlled or threatened, strangled, choked or fearing for your life.

"All of these flags are not okay. We want victims of family violence to see this poster and use the contact numbers to get help for themselves or someone else close to them that they suspect is being abused."

Inspector Smith says, "We've chosen restrooms as a place to display these posters as it is one of the only places where someone is alone for a short time and has no choice but to read these messages."

She says the poster has just been launched, to raise awareness about how to get help, particularly as Police attend nearly double the number of family violence callouts at this time of year.

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