Initiative to curb family violence
They've been told It's Not Ok. Now Christchurch men are getting a helping hand to overcome family violence, with the growth of a North Canterbury initiative.
Christchurch Women's Refuge has received two government grants to support initiatives for men.
The first, from the Ministry of Social Development, will allow North Canterbury-based early intervention service ReachOut to expand into Christchurch.
The second, sees the Department of Internal Affairs funding research into temporary accommodation options for men who must legally leave the family home, or choose to, due to violent behaviour.
Launched in April last year, ReachOut's male family violence specialists make contact with men who have been named on police incident reports, helping them access family support, specialist education programmes and other agencies.
ReachOut chief executive Nicola Woodward said: "The funding provided by MSD will now make this possible in Christchurch.''
She said: "Accommodation options for men are the next piece of the jigsaw.''
Ministry of Social Development strategic planner Ashley Seaford will spend six months working with Christchurch Women's Refuge, looking into temporary accommodation options for men who choose to leave their homes, or have to because of a police safety order or protection order, in order to prevent escalating violence.
Mr Seaford said: "We know that men often try to return to the family home in spite of a PSO or protection prder, so we need to understand why. Are they seeking to return simply to further intimidate their partner, or are they struggling to find another place to stay?
"Once we understand the current options available - and the gaps - we will be better able to support men towards becoming violence-free.''
- For any concerns related to family violence, phone ReachOut on 0800 REACH OUT or Christchurch Women's Refuge on 0800 1 REFUGE. In an emergency always call 111.
