Empower us to empower you
- Communicate openly and honestly with us about your needs, concerns and hopes for yourself and your tamariki.
- Let us know if the way we are working together is or isn’t working for you.
- Communicate any problems, complaints, or concerns as early as possible.
- Take responsibility for self-care, the care of your tamariki, and the actions in your goal plan that you have said you will be responsible for.
- Attend scheduled appointments or let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend.

Whānau Protect National Home Safety Service (NHSS)
Whānau Protect helps high-risk victims of family violence to continue living safely in their own home.
Practical safety improvements help to keep offenders away from the property until the Police can arrive.
This service is delivered nationwide by Women’s Refuge and supported by the Ministry of Justice.
If you are experiencing:
- Assault
- Family violence
- Further victimisation
- Threatening behaviour
What can Whānau Protect do?
- Install a monitored security alarm for six months.
- Arrange for Police to send a patrol car when the alarm is activated.
- Make permanent improvements to keep you and your children safe in your home.
What will the upgrade include? This will depend on your circumstances but may include:
- Security stays on windows.
- Locks or bolts on doors, lock changes
- Replacing glass doors with solid wood doors (budget permitting)
- Adding security lights.
Advocacy Services
Our Advocates are here to help you in finding your voice and taking control of your life. Working together, you can create a plan to ensure your safety and well-being, whether that means staying or leaving your relationship.
Your Advocate will stand by you as you navigate medical, parenting or legal challenges and empower you to achieve your goals and live your best life.
All our advocacy services are free and confidential.
Safehousing
Safe housing is available to women who are subjected to family violence and unable to remain in their current home.
Our houses are a safe haven providing a comfortable space for wahine to heal, grow and rebuild their lives with confidence.
Pets
Pet Refuge provides crisis accommodation for pets affected by domestic violence, while their owners secure their own safety. We aim to make it easier to leave abuse sooner, by caring for family pets in our Auckland based shelter until they can be reunited with their loved ones.
Complaints Or Concerns
Please ensure you have been provided with a copy of our Clients Rights, and Complaints Policy.
FAQ
Who is eligible for Whānau Protect?
Cases are looked at individually and decisions are based on the future risk of serious harm to you and your children.
How can I refer someone to Whānau Protect?
Contact us here at Te Wāhi Whakaora Rotorua and District Women’s Refuge by sending an email to info@twwr.org.nz.
What if I want my partner to move back to the house?
You will no longer be eligible for Whānau Protect. This service is for people who permanently exclude their partner from their home.
What other support is available for me?
Women’s Refuge can work with you to access other help you might need, or you can get more information about services at www.victimsinfo.govt.nz.
How can I get help from Whānau Protect?
Ask your local Police for a referral, call Women’s Refuge on 0800 REFUGE (0800 733 843) or go to www.womensrefuge.org.nz.