Christmas Crisis Cocktail

Christmas Time. Simple words to evoke an array of memories, emotions and expectations for the holiday season.

As we get busy preparing for the big day with our family, it’s easy to assume others will also enjoy a relaxed and safe time together. Sadly this is not always the case.

The ‘tradition’ of having alcohol as part of the celebrations, mixed with pressures such as financial restraint or unresolved family matters, can create a dangerous and sometimes fatal cocktail, catalyst to family violence.

The latest NZ Crime and Safety Survey showed that only 24% of people report family violence incident to police.

This means that 76% of people affected by family violence need help from family, friends and others they know.

“The message we want to get out is that family violence is a very real and common issue within Canterbury communities,” says Lois Herbert, Manager at Battered Women’s Trust and Spokesperson for the Canterbury Family Violence Collaboration, “and every year this period is a high risk time; typically an already busy refuge will receive an increase of around 20% in crisis calls.”

Acknowledging the reality that Police and social services often get involved in family violence incidents after they’ve happened, Herbert reinforces the need for families and communities to look out for one another.

“It’s friends, family members, colleagues and neighbours that are in the best position to notice before or when violence is happening.”

Violence is not always evident through black eyes and bruises. While it may involve physical force, it can also be through sexual, financial or psychological abuse such as put downs, coercive control and intimidation.

The It’s not OK Campaign suggests helping someone you are concerned about in a practical way, such as sharing a meal, allowing them time out, and creating safe opportunities for them to talk to you and share what’s happening.

“Know that it’s OK to help.”

Children cannot keep themselves safe and rely on adults around them to protect them. If you’re worried about a child you need to contact Child Youth and Family Police or other professionals.

The It’s not OK family violence information line operates every day of the year from 9am to 11pm. You can call for advice as well as information about family violence prevention services.

If you are concerned about yourself or one of your family or friends, It’s Not OK recommends that you:

• Never put your safety at risk – call Police on 111

• Call the It’s not OK information line for advice on 0800 456 450

• Call Women’s Refuge Crisis line: 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843, Battered Women’s Trust Crisis Line (24/7) 03 364 8900, or Aviva: 0800 28482 669

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