Family violence continues to be a serious problem in New Zealand.
Each year, approximately 3,500 convictions are recorded against men, for assaults on women and on average, 14 women a year are killed by their partners.
Police attend over 100,000 events of family violence a year; 299 each day; which equals one every 4.9 minutes.
Police continue work to support families and to bring offenders to account. And no one knows more about this than Sergeant Tania Kingi. Speaking at a White Ribbon Day Breakfast at Police National Headquarters on Friday 25 November, she recalls her own experiences as a child.
“Coming from a violent home myself I have seen the devastating effects it had, and is still having on my family. I get that it can be a challenge to leave because my Mum tried numerous times before she finally got away from my Dad. I know personally that it’s not just as simple as walking out the door it’s far more complicated and I understand that these challenges can stop people from asking for help,” says Tania.
“The reason I became a Police Officer was because the Police saved my mother’s life and protected my sisters and I from my violent father. Everyone in those types of situations deserve to be saved. I urge anyone in a violent situation to let the Police help you like they helped me, it's not only your life but the lives of your children that it affects. I wouldn't wish my story on anyone, please ask for help today,” she says.
Family violence can happen to anyone regardless of gender, age, socio-economic group or personal circumstances. It occurs in every demographic and every member of our staff has seen the damage done.
There is a dedicated and well-trained group of Police officers throughout the country who work with victims and perpetrators of family violence on a day to day basis. They work closely with partner agencies, iwi and NGOs to reduce the harm caused in communities by family violence.
If you are a victim of family violence or in a relationship that makes you fearful about your own or anyone else's safety, seek help as soon as possible. You have the right to be safe and feel safe.
Police would like to encourage families to talk to us or to someone who can help if you are experiencing what you think might be family violence.
ENDS
*JOURNALISTS TO NOTE:
Sgt Tania Kingi's story is a video which is embargoed till 7:30am Friday 25th November (White Ribbon Day) when it will be released. Tania will be available for comment after 8:30am
SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow @whiteribbonnzp on Twitter to get an idea of the average number of calls for service for family violence police receive on any given day #whiteribbonnz #wrnzp