Family violence, it’s not ok

Plunket staff are concerned about the health and wellbeing of children and families and provide support and information for any parent who feels afraid or is in a violent relationship. There are no excuses for violent behaviour. People make a choice to be violent, and can make the choice to stop.

Family violence can involve psychological, emotional, financial, physical and/or sexual abuse. It usually gets more severe over time unless something is done to make the abusive person take responsibility and change their behaviour.

What is family violence / abuse?

Does your partner or someone in your family or whānau:

• threaten to hurt you, the children, themselves or your pets?
• threaten to take the children away, or report you?
•  stop you seeing your family, whānau and friends?
• get jealous or angry easily?
• stop you having any money or working outside the home?
• call you names, constantly criticise, or put you down?
• do things that scare you, like displaying weapons or driving fast?
• control what you do and check up on where you go or repeatedly email/call/text you?
• force you to have sex or do degrading things?
• hit, choke, push, slap, burn, kick you or throw things?

Find out how you can get involved in making family violence not ok in your family and your community Campaign for Action on Family Violence