Meri Kirihimete, Season's Greetings and how to keep families free from violence during the holidays

Christmas and the summer holidays should be a time of sun, good food and laughter, but sadly we all know that this may not be the case for everyone in our community.

Below are messages from organisations who will be working to prevent family violence over the Christmas and New Year period.

Our office will close on Thursday 22 December and re-open on Monday 9 January 2012.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

from The NZFVC team @ Tamaki Innovation Campus.

HOLIDAY MESSAGES

Family violence doesn't take a holiday

TVNZ Breakfast show (Thursday 15th December) featured Brian Gardner, manager of the National Network of Stopping Violence Services. Brian discussed some of the risk factors including family expectations of providing for families, as well as other warning signs and supportive actions families can take to mitigate Christmas stress escalating to violent situations.

Click here to access the article and video segment via TVNZ

 New Zealand Police have released several messages of concern and wishes for violence free Christmases. Counties Manukau Police have taken a particularly innovative approach to the problem, delivering Flyers to 1500 homes in the Counties Manukau district.

Click here to access the NZ Police article "Violent-free Christmas is the best gift"

Click here to access the Counties Manukau "Dear Mummy and Daddy" initiative

 The It’s Not OK campaign has released a plea to ‘Make Christmas more than OK’. The Campaign web page adds to its wealth of supportive information for those struggling with family violence, and encourages people to reach out to help families we know.

Click here to link to "Make Christmas more than OK"

 Child Matters has released a Holiday announcement detailing 8 tips for Keeping Kids Safe this Holiday Season. The tips include information regarding drinking around children, babysitting, sleepovers, and activities camping, internet and swimming.

Click here to access the tips on the Child Matters web page

and remember

If you are in immediate danger, please call:

Emergency Services, call 111

Photo credit: Istock photo