18 February 2008

Senseless Killing of Women and Children Must Stop

A woman who watched her father kick her mother to death will speak at a memorial to remember all women and children who have been killed through domestic violence in New Zealand.

“This memorial service is a chance for people to come to one central place and show that they want the killings to stop. As a community we can stand together and show it’s not ok and we will end the silence around domestic violence,” says Deborah Mackenzie, spokesperson for organisers.

The memorial is a community event and is planned for the 7th March at Takahi Reserve, Mt Eden.. It has been organised by The Auckland Coalition for the Safety of Women and Children to help stop the killing of women and children by male partners.

Statistics show that between 2000 and 2004, 45 women were killed by their male partner or ex-partner; of those adults who killed children, 26 were men and 15 were women.

The event will focus on one woman’s story, Christina Pusztay, who when she was a little girl watched her father kick her mother, Eileen Rose Foley, to death. Christina will explain how this catastrophic event affected her as she grew up.

“I am speaking out because I want people to know how losing one’s mother through domestic violence affects not only the immediate family but extended family and family to come. Children very often become the silent victims, as their plight is seldom recognised or reported by the media, and frequently their own family disregarded the impact of their traumatic experiences. Years ago children were believed to be naturally “resilient” with an innate ability to bounce back!

Sue Bradford MP will be speaking and live entertainment will be provided by Mahinarangi Tocker and Damaru Drummers. The event will run from 6.30pm until 8pm.

“All are welcome to come along and be part of the remembrance. We know that crisis services cannot be in homes and neighbourhoods day and night. The solution lies with all of us – family, friends, neighbours, workmates. We can all make a difference and help prevent another 14 women,10 children and 6 men dying next year,” says Deborah Mackenzie.

ENDS

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