Rotorua Family Violence Prevention & Advocacy - Te Wāhi Whakaora Rotorua and District Women’s Refuge

Family violence is a power imbalance, where one person tries to control another. The aggressor often uses intimidation, fear and abuse to maintain that control. Many people believe that family violence is only physical abuse, however, family violence takes many different forms. It may also be psychological, sexual, financial or spiritual.

Family violence can occur in any home, across all socio-economic statuses and cultures.

Items to consider if you must leave quickly:

Important documents – birth certificates, court documents, passports or drivers’ license
Bank account numbers, EftPos card – if you need to set up a new bank account, talk to your advocate about help with this.
Cash, if possible
Any extra set of keys
Medications
Emergency phone numbers and addresses – for family, friend, doctors, lawyers
Clothing, toiletries, baby formula and nappies, comfort items for you and the children

The Different Types of Abuse

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is an intentional act causing injury or trauma to another person by way of bodily contact. It Includes hitting, pinching, slapping, pushing, punching, kicking, burning, stabbing or shooting.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is sexual behaviour or a sexual act forced upon another adult or child without their consent. It includes unwanted touching or sexual activity, control over birth control, forced pregnancies or abortions and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Spiritual Abuse

Spiritual abuse happens when someone uses spiritual or religious beliefs to hurt, scare or control. Spiritual abuse includes forcing another to follow a particular faith or give up their religion. Making a partner participate in spiritual or religious practices when you don’t want to and using spiritual beliefs to manipulate or shame.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse occurs when someone manipulates, threatens, pressures or otherwise influences their partner to gain access to their money, property or assets. This includes forcing a person to hand over all or part of their salary or by denying someone access to their own bank accounts.

Dowry-related Abuse

Dowry-related violence is violence that arises solely or in part from concerns about how much gifts, goods, money, other property, or other benefits a partner may receive after a marriage proposal or marriage. It is any act of violence or harassment associated with giving or receiving a dowry.

Psychological Abuse

Psychological abuse, also known as emotional abuse or mental abuse, involves deliberately hurting someone through non-physical actions. It involves behaviours such as verbal aggression, harassment, isolation, manipulation, humiliation and ridicule. Psychological abuse can sometimes be difficult to recognise but is just as devastating as physical violence.

Home And Personal Safety Plan

Below is a list of practicable safety suggestions, moving forward:

Always carry your cell phone, even without credit, it can be used to call 111.
Ensure your windows and doors are locked, consider installing deadbolts.
Use security alarms if available.
Where possible change your regular travel routes.
Keep emergency numbers at your disposal.
Have an escape plan
Teach your children the escape plan and emergency numbers.
Advise the school/s of your situation and give copies of any court orders.
If English is your second language, do you know the contact details for an interpreter.

Protection Orders

Protection orders are issued in the Family Court and give legal protection against family violence to the applicant and their children.

A protection order

Names the person who is committing the abuse
Clearly explains what the abuser can and cannot do.

If an individual fails to comply with a protection order they may face arrest and criminal charges, potentially leading to financial consequences and possible imprisonment.

In normal circumstances a temporary protection order can be granted within a few days and not only can it protect you but may protect your property and home.

Workplace Safety Plan

Inform your employer.
Advise them of your workplace safety plan including a recent photo of the perpetrator.
Apply for a protection order that includes the workplace. Keep a copy with you at all times.
Save any threatening emails or voicemail messages.
Ensure that your emergency contact details are updated in the personnel file.
Ask if someone can walk you to your car or bus stop.

Special Employment Rights And Protections When There’s Family Violence

Special Leave from Your Job: Once you’ve been in your job for six months you have the right to take up to 10 days paid leave in any one year to help you deal with the effects of family violence.
Flexible Work Arrangements: As a victim of family violence, you have a special right to ask your employer for short-term flexibility in your work arrangements for when and where you work. Your employer can refuse only if they can’t reasonably accommodate the changes you need.

For Immediate Support, Call Our 24/7 Crisis Line: 0800 REFUGE. If You’re in Immediate Danger, Call 111.

Safety Plan

Safety