20 December 2000 Media Statement

Maharey announces new funds for family violence prevention

Community organisations dealing with family violence prevention have received a $2.25 million funding boost, Social Services and Employment Minister Steve Maharey announced today.

The Government has set aside an additional $1.125 million a year in extra funding for Child, Youth and Family to distribute to not-for-profit organisations providing family violence services. 16 organisations will receive a total of $2.25 million this financial year and in 2001/02 for this work.

“Community organisations have a key role in helping deal with domestic violence and child abuse in New Zealand. They are often much closer to their communities than Government agencies can be and they are able to target abusers and potential abusers more directly.

“It’s particularly satisfying to announce the funding before the Christmas/New Year period when demand for family violence services usually increases."

Funding highlights of the package include:
 more than $900,000 to the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges for crisis intervention for rural families and increasing services for migrant and refugee women;
 $250,000 for Relationship Services for a range of services; and,
 $142,500 to Auckland’s Tu Wahine for counselling and education programmes.

Other organisations to receive funds are:
Organisation: Location: Funding:
Te Roopu o Te Whanau Rangimarie Auckland $105,000
Shakti Asian Women’s Safe House Inc Auckland $57,000
Anglican Methodist Family Care Centre Dunedin $19,500

Wanganui Living Without Violence Trust Wanganui $63,000
DOVE Hawkes Bay Inc Napier/Hastings $55,500

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North Harbour Living Without Violence Collective Auckland $105,000
Waitakere Abuse & Trauma Auckland $109,500
Dannevirke Family Services Dannevirke $26,250
Naku Enei Tamariki Inc-PI Wellington $39,000
Taeaomanino Trust Porirua $113,500
Camelia House Auckland $110,000
Te Aupouri Maori Trust Board Kaitaia $111,000
Pa o te Ora – Hikurangi Whangarei $35,000

Mr Maharey also says a broader review of family violence prevention is currently underway and he is expecting a report by the middle of next year. The review, being carried out by the Ministry of Social Policy, is looking to identify priorities, including resource implications, for current and future family violence prevention initiatives.

The review involves representatives from the Family Violence Focus Group, comprising both government and non-government representatives, and the Family Violence Advisory Committee, an independent advisory committee to the Minister. Information is being sought from a variety of sources, including four community workshops planned for next February.

“The intention is to bring together those working in family violence prevention within the communities to discuss what is happening, what works well and doesn’t, and to get information on specific issues diverse communities face in addressing family violence.

“A number of government and non-government agencies are working on family violence prevention initiatives. The Government wants to be able to make sound decisions about where we should prioritise our efforts,” Steve Maharey said.

ENDS

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