Family violence prevention campaign launched in Paeroa

A campaign launched in Paeroa on the weekend aims to raise awareness about family violence and its prevention. 26 residents have put their names and faces to the campaign, including the mayor, high school students, men who have turned their lives around, sports people, community leaders and police.

Hauraki Family Violence Intervention Network Co-ordinator Rachel Harrison said, “Family violence is so often hidden behind closed doors. By putting up billboards and posters we bring it out into the open and make it easier for people to get help whether they are using violence or are on the receiving end of it."

"We know that only about 20 per cent of family violence is reported to police - after it’s happened. If we are really going to stop violence happening all of us need to get involved.”

The campaign was developed by the Hauraki Family Violence Intervention Network in partnership with the Hauraki District Council, Population Health Waikato District Health Board and the national "It’s not OK" campaign, as well as local community groups. It will run for three months.

Read 'Anti-violence campaign launched', SunLive, 22/9/12

Read 'Paeroa launches anti-violence campaign', 3 News, 23/9/12