Chief Victims Advisor: Support available for victims during isolation

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New Zealand’s Chief Victims Advisor to Government, Dr Kim McGregor, wants victims and survivors of family violence and sexual violence to know that the Police and social services are there to help them even through this period of lockdown.  

“My message for all New Zealanders: You are not alone. It’s not ok for anyone to hurt you. Violence is still a crime,” says Dr McGregor.

“Even though we are currently in self-isolation, we still want to hear from you if you, or someone in your bubble is being hurt.

“Many people and families will be experiencing more stress in their homes during this time of isolation, so it’s essential people know they can seek help.

“Government agencies and support organisations remain staffed and are determined to help anyone who is experiencing violence. These are essential services.

“If you are being harmed, there are a range of social services with national help lines available to talk to you, as well as offer practical support and access to safe, emergency accommodation if you need it.

“Leaving your home to get yourself and/or others to safety is considered an essential form of travel and you will not be in breach of the level 4 restrictions if you leave your neighbourhood for these reasons.

“Sometimes it is unsafe for you to reach out for help while you are in the same space as the person who is hurting you. If you can’t communicate safely through phone, text, email or social media, maybe your friends, whānau or neighbours could help.

“Neighbours, please do your best to keep an eye on those around you and look for signs that someone may need help, such as if there are any sounds of violence, yelling, crying, family members looking afraid and withdrawn or someone in distress. But please also remember to maintain a safe distance and maintain your ‘bubble’ during this time.

“You can call the Police or social services even if you are not sure but are worried someone is being harmed. You can talk about any behaviours or signs of harm that concern you.

“If you’re worried about yourself or someone else being harmed:

  • Find a safe way to contact the Police or helplines listed below to get help for yourself or pass your concerns on about others. Your call about others may be the missing piece of information that helps the services know they need to act. Your actions could save lives.
  • Remember that help is available. If you or someone else is in danger, or you think someone could be harmed or may harm themselves, when it is safe to do so, call the Police on 111, even if you’re not totally sure whether harm is occurring.

“These are tough times, and many New Zealanders who were facing difficult circumstances at home in the first place need our help to navigate these extraordinary times. This is the time for us to look after each other, be kind, and get through this together,” says Dr McGregor.

Contacts for support services

If you are a victim of family violence, sexual violence or there is someone that makes you fearful, threatens or harasses you, seek help as soon as possible. You have the right to be safe.

If you are in immediate danger or someone you know is, when it is safe to do so, call the Police on 111, even if you are not totally sure harm is occurring.

For everything you need to know about COVID-19 in one place, please go to covid19.govt.nz(external link)

Finding a Local Support Service

Family Violence Services

Sexual Violence Services

Services for those who want help to stop harming

Youth Services

  • Youthline(external link) – Call 0800 376 633, free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz
  • What’s Up (Barnardos) - kids and teenagers up to 18 years old can talk with professional counsellors. Available 11am –11pm daily.
    Call 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
    Online chat service is open from 11am-10.30pm (https://whatsup.co.nz(external link)). We are open for those hours every day of the week, 365 days of the year, including public holidays. Our service is also available for children and youth aged between 5 and 19.
  • Skylight(external link) – Call 0800 299 100 helping children, young people and their families and whānau through tough times of change, loss, trauma and grief

Support for Rainbow community/ LGBTQI+

  • OUTline NZ(external link) – Call OUTLINE or 0800 688 5463 - confidential telephone support for sexuality or gender identity issues

Mental Health Services

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