PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 14 FEBRUARY 2008

Jigsaw Says New “It’s Ok to Ask for Help” TV Adverts Will Help Change the Lives of Our Children and Their Families

Tau Huirama, Jigsaw CEO Strategic Relationships, believes the new ‘It’s OK to ask for help’ TV advertisements launched today will help improve a lot of New Zealand children’s and families’ lives.

The advertisements are the second stage of the “It’s not OK” campaign which says that family violence is never OK. The first set of adverts that played on our TV screens last year helped us start talking about family violence and the serious harm it causes for many of our families.

This second set of adverts encourages men who have been abusive towards their partners and children to ask for help from family members, friends and helping agencies.

Three of the stories are told by men who have been courageous enough to make the change successfully for themselves and their families. The other story is told by a man who helped one of his friends to recognize his abusive behaviour and then supported him to get help and make the change that his family needed.

Mr Huirama wants to applaud the four men in the advertisement for their bravery in speaking out and telling their own stories of change.

“These adverts will get men talking constructively about the possibilities of change, as well as increasing awareness about family violence throughout New Zealand.”

Mr Huirama thinks the advertisements will have a major impact on the future of all families and children in New Zealand.

“If our children grow up in a stable healthy home they will develop more quickly and be able to participate more confidently in everything they do. Children need these kinds of homes to thrive and be the best they can be.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media