Local children the face of a new family violence prevention billboards

The Whangarei community is making a huge effort to prevent family violence and encourage people to ask for help. The latest tragedy in Kamo, the death of Atreyu Taylor-Matene, reminds us that we all have a role to play in keeping children safe.

Northland DHB in partnership with Whangarei District Council is launching a new series of billboards with a key focus on family violence prevention.

“It took us decades to change attitudes toward drink driving and it will take decades to change attitudes which accept or tolerate violence towards others. But if we all work together we can make violence not OK to anyone at any time”, said Dr Nick Chamberlain, Northland DHB Chief Executive.

In order for the billboards to have higher visibility Whangarei District Council’s Field Officer Grant Alsop agreed to work with Northland DHB and find sites that would give the billboards a higher profile in the community.

“Promoting a safe city includes supporting our network partners and this project meets one of the Whangarei Safer Communities criteria targeting high-risk and vulnerable groups”, said Grant. “Placing billboards on buildings and land we manage gives the messages the prominence they deserve”.

Guided by the Northland Health Services Plan the billboards feature key health promotion messages encouraging people to take good care of their health and the health of their children.

Key aspects of the family violence prevention messages are that it is OK to ask for help. “All of our agencies are involved in the care and protection of families”, Dr Chamberlain said. “We are clear that family violence is not ok and strongly advocate that people seek help through 0800 456 450 and break the cycle of violence”.

Children and their parents from Whangarei District have consented to their photos being used in one particular billboard which demonstrates how committed locals are to preventing family violence.

Where to go for Help
1. Barnardos, Whangarei: 09 438 2954
2. Whangarei Women’s Refuge’s 0800 refuge (733843) 3. Bream Bay Community Support Trust: 09 432 7197 4. Man Alive: 021 442024 5. Child Youth & Family: 0508 326 459 6. Ngati Hine Health Trust – Family Centred Direct Services: 0800 whanau (942628 7. Family Works: 09 437 6729 8. Jigsaw North: 09 438 8852 9. Miriam Centre: 09 437 6010 10. The Pulse: 09 438 0004 11. It is OK to ask for help - 0800 456 450

-ENDS

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