COMMUNITY LAW MARLBOROUGH & MVIP
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Community Law Marlborough and MVIP are hosting a workshop to assist organization’s to respond and create relevant policy and safety plans for Domestic Violence Leave Legislation First Responder Training.
The facilitator is Pip Ross, who has spent over a decade working on violence prevention and response in humanitarian settings in the UN and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, including operational deployments in Australia, NZ, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Nauru, Philippines, Occupied Palestinian Territories and Greece.
Register Now - Limited Spaces
Date: 19th November | Time: 9.30am 4.00pm (lunch will be provided)
Venue: Community Law Marlborough | 14 Market Street | Blenheim
Registration is essential for this training | 2 people per organisation
To Register | Email: reception@commlawmarlb.org.nz, or Phone: 03 577 9919
Course participants on registration will be required to complete some online pre work prior to the workshop.
RSVP by 4th November 2019
- Understand the dynamics effects of domestic violence
- Introducing the 6 step intervention model
- recognizing the signs
- respond support and validate
- risk assessment
- safety plan
- refer to a specialist
- document
- Discussion about how to respond to a selection of workplace scenarios
The facilitator is Pip Ross, who has spent over a decade working on violence prevention and response in humanitarian settings in the UN and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement, including operational deployments in Australia, NZ, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Nauru, Philippines, Occupied Palestinian Territories and Greece.
Register Now - Limited Spaces
Date: 19th November | Time: 9.30am 4.00pm (lunch will be provided)
Venue: Community Law Marlborough | 14 Market Street | Blenheim
Registration is essential for this training | 2 people per organisation
To Register | Email: reception@commlawmarlb.org.nz, or Phone: 03 577 9919
Course participants on registration will be required to complete some online pre work prior to the workshop.
RSVP by 4th November 2019
Jo Lane
Why did you become a Champion?
I grew up with violence and alcohol abuse in a region of NZ where it was common within families. Fortunately, I received fantastic support from my school & church communities which helped my family and me to grow from the experiences, to forgive, & to learn to love each other again. The quote, "it happened to me, so I did ... because that's all I knew," is so sad but it is also lazy. I am passionate about "if it happened to you, get help, so you don't do harm to others, especially when you know how hurtful it is".
I have to work really hard to raise my wonderful children in a different way from some of the things I experienced, but this time I have the support of wise people around our family whom I trust!
I chose to become a champion because it's a conscious decision we all need to make to change what we know in our lives that isn't good for ourselves or for our families. It demands courage, non-judgmental support from true friends, and safe, trained professionals to help you live a great, victim free life of awareness in a new culture for you and your family.
N E W S - (Te Kaea)
Technology shield developed to help women report abuse without a trace in browser history
On the websites of many New Zealand companies women can now access information about the services offered by Women's Refuge via a web page which will leave no trace in the browser history. Women's Refuge's chief executive Ang Jury said abusers often exerted control over all of a woman's activities and would check on things like who they had rung, text messages and which websites they had visited. She said the Shielded system offered a discreet way for women to get advice about the services the Women's Refuge offers. "When people click on the little icon, it takes them to some basic information about how to keep safe, how to seek help, and gives a contact email form if they want to contact us by email," Dr Jury said. The page also provides information about how to keep your web history private on other sites if you suspect you are being monitored. The Shielded icon is a small image of a computer with half the screen shaded The link is available on the websites of The Warehouse, Trade Me, ASB and others. Read Full STUFF article HERE 
Study reveals link between domestic violence and suicide attemptsA study released today shows a strong link between domestic abuse and self-harm.
It was conducted by Women's Refuge, with the aim of increasing knowledge of women's experiences of being both suicidal and a victim of intimate partner violence. It also sought to identify better ways of responding to those women. https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/366069/study-reveals-link-between-domestic-violence-and-suicide-attempts?fbclid=IwAR1SKyR5RM9LUpplwA-lA_Dc0qV0Cgryj69DFvq-kEjcKqAlSNQESNlPKec 
E Tū Whānau 2018 poster competition open for entries
E Tū Whānau is holding a poster design competition for the first time. E Tū Whānau is a movement for positive change developed by the Māori Reference Group. The poster competition is designed to highlight positive change through a focus on the E Tū Whānau values of Aroha, Mana Manaaki, and Whakapapa: "Art and design are powerful tools to communicate ideas, convey emotion, and inspire action. The values which underpin E Tū Whānau provide endless possibilities for innovative design, so this year for the first time we are running a poster design competition." To enter the competition posters need to feature one of the following E Tū Whānau values:
The poster must incorporate the value as a theme, as well as the word and the related colour. More details about the competition are on the E Tū Whānau Poster Competition Facebook post. In addition to prizes, winning entries selected by the judges will be used to create new posters for the E Tū Whānau values. You can submit posters from 1 through 21 October 2018. Voting will be open for one week from 22 October to 29 October 2018. Check HERE for more information 
Legislation on workplace protections for domestic violence victims passes.
The Domestic Violence—Victims' Protection Bill has passed its third reading and received Royal Assent. It will come into effect on 1 April 2019. Jan Logie, now Under-Secretary for Justice (Domestic and Sexual Violence Issues), said: "I’m beyond delighted to see this law finally become a reality. This is a win for victims, a win for employers, and a win for society. This law is a world first and it will make a significant difference for people trying to escape domestic violence. ... Everyone should be able to live free from violence. But too many people find it impossible to keep their jobs while trying to move house, attend court dates, or settle the kids at a new school. And too many employers are unaware of the extent to which domestic violence impacts their employees and workplaces, and are unsure of how to respond. This bill gives them a framework to do the right thing for everyone – victims and themselves." Domestic violence charity Shine said the bill would benefit all employers, including small businesses, through increased productivity and better employee retention. Shine offers employer support through their DVFREE programme. DVFREE website Link HERE. Women's Refuge said it was "delighted" with the outcome, they offer support for employers through their Responsive Workplaces programme. Related news The Human Rights Commission and several New Zealand employers recently launched the website www.businessworkingtoendfamilyviolence.co.nz. The website provides information to support workplaces develop and implement a family violence workplace policy. 
0800 HEYBRO (439 276) is a new pilot for the Canterbury area, Launching June 5th 2018
This number is setup for men who feel they’re going to harm a loved one or whanau member. We’re here to support 24/7 to listen and to help. For more info and a video check out https://www.hewakatapu.org.nz/services/0800-hey-bro Follow and share on facebook 
'Safe to Talk' sexual harm & violence helpline launched nationwide
A new helpline has been launched to support people affected by 'sexual harm' and sexual violence.
Safe to talk - He pai ki te kōrero launched nationwide on 16 April 2018. The helpline provides 24/7 access to free and confidential information and support by phone, text, email or online chat. People can get advice and support from trained specialists and be connected to support services in their community. The www.safetotalk.nz website also provides information and resources. People can contact the helpline to get information and support for themselves, for someone else, or with general inquiries. Support is available in relation to someone having experienced sexual violence, or having harmed someone or having thoughts of harming someone. READ MORE Contact the helpline by: Calling: 0800 044 334 Texting: 4334 Emailing: support@safetotalk.nz Live webchat on www.safetotalk.nz Safe to Talk from Insight Creative on Vimeo. 
New online training on links between different forms of violence.
The US-based Veto Violence from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a new online training tool, Connecting the Dots. The training looks at the links between multiple forms of violence and opportunities for prevention. The resource makes the case for better understanding and addressing the interconnections between forms of violence such as child abuse and neglect, bullying, youth violence, dating violence, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, elder abuse, and suicidal behaviour, as they are strongly interconnected. Research has shown:
Online trauma awareness training package being developed
The Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki has partnered with Werry Workforce Whāraurau to develop a trauma awareness training package. The training package includes three modules designed for caregivers and frontline practitioners within the children’s workforce. The modules or online courses include:
Each module takes between 1 to 2 hours to complete. The modules provide a foundation for understanding types of trauma, impacts of trauma, resilience, considerations for different cultures, ways to build resilience and safety, and how to care for yourself as a caregiver or professional. The modules are still being piloted and may be revised in the future. They are currently available online at no cost. To access the modules, register with the Goodfellow website and follow the detailed directions on the Werry Workforce Whāraurau website. For more information see the Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki news announcement. 
Launch of a ground-breaking clinical sexual violence network will provide much needed support for this sector
The website provides information on sexual assault medical services. MEDSAC was formerly Doctors for Sexual Abuse Care (DSAC). MEDSAC said that for clinicians, the network provides "quality assured 'best practice' guidelines, expert support and advice, and a forum where clinicians can share experiences and knowledge." The website also provides links to ACC and a series of videos created by NZ Police earlier in 2017, setting out the process of reporting a sexual assault to the Police. MEDSAC is funded by police, ACC and the Ministry of Health. For the public, the SAATS website provides contact details for 18 health clinics around the country that provide specialised sexual assault medical services. 
New Books in the Clearinghouse Collection
Clearinghouse have just added some interesting new books to their collection. These include a book written by two New Zealand based researchers considering the intersection of "vulnerability" and "marginality" and power and privilege. The other books are listed below under the following headings:
Visit the Library HERE 
Diploma in Child Protection Studies.
We are trying to get people to commit to doing the Diploma in Child Protection Studies. If we get the numbers locally they will bring a Course to Blenheim. We already have a few who really want this valuable qualification but we need more. Please contact Lyn at the address below if you want to complete this. It will only be available in the Hamilton next year if we do not get enough people. A fuller outline is below We look forward to hearing from you Nga mihi Lyn Caughey Manager / Fieldworker SF Marlborough 68 Seymour Street Blenheim (03) 5775491 https://www.facebook.com/SupportingFamiliesMarlborough Six Blocks of 5 Days in-classroom tuition over 1 Year Complete 9 Assignments - self-guided tuition The Diploma in Child Protection Studies www.childmatters.org.nz/38/child-protection-training/diploma is an advanced level training in child protection and advocacy, designed to develop leaders and 'go-to' child protection resources within organisations and communities. Delivered solely by Child Matters, the Diploma in Child Protection Studies is a nationally recognised, NZQA accredited tertiary qualification, and the only specialist child advocacy qualification in New Zealand. Graduates of the Diploma add value to organisations and communities by;
Elder Abuse Response Service launched
We know that 79% of those who report elder abuse are harmed by family members and 43% of victims live with their abuser. Seniors Minister Maggie Barry has launched a new Elder Abuse Response Service, including a free and confidential 24/7 helpline. Registered nurses will listen and advise anyone who needs information or support about elder abuse, including victims, and concerned friends and family members. Callers will be referred to local elder abuse services to get the help they need. Translation services are also available. Read Minister Barry’s announcement. 
Preventing Adolescent Relationship Abuse & Promoting Healthy Relationships
Violence and abuse in teenage relationships is a serious problem in New Zealand but does not receive the same level of attention as violence in adult relationships.
Author of a new paper Dr Melanie Beres of the University of Otago says adolescence is a key time to intervene and support young people to build healthy relationship skills. The paper, Preventing adolescent relationship abuse and promoting healthy relationships, found:
Click Here to Read The Paper 
1 in 3 Be Free
OUR GIFT TO NEW ZEALAND WOMEN 1 in 3 Be Free is an app is designed to help women screen their relationships for abuse and to connect them to support services nearby. The 1 in 3 Be Free App is available for free download from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. To find the App search “1in3befree” download it, use it, rate and review it! There is also an online version at www.1in3befree.org.nz “We recognise that it isn’t always easy to identify when behaviours in a relationship become concerning, controlling, or abusive, so we want to help educate women about different forms of abuse and their effects” In partnership with the fantastic Omnispex, the team at Inner City Women's Group have spent the last 2 years producing an App that helps women to screen for indicators of all forms of domestic violence from a current or ex-partner. Developed by the Inner City Women's Group. http://www.innercitywomensgroup.org.nz/ 
A Message from Drug Rehab
Teen Bullying & Drug Addiction Researchers have found that middle and high school students who bully their peers or are bullied by others are more likely than students who aren't involved in bullying to use alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana. Our organization is working to bring awareness to this issue. DrugRehab.com is dedicated to providing help to teens and their loved ones. We believe that teens and parents have a better chance at conquering the hurdles of drug and substance abuse by having a better understanding of addiction, its causes, how to prevent it, and when to consider treatment. You can review their information and resources by visiting https://www.drugrehab.com/teens/ https://www.drugrehab.com/guides/bullying/ 
Local Services Information
Lost or Under Pressure. New Services & Gaps! 
A Message from the Children's Team.
Recently you would have received information from Strengthening Families in relation to the Marlborough Children’ s Team. Here is some additional information to assist you, when considering a referral. When considering a referral please think about whether the child/family:
It is appropriate to make direct referrals to Child, Youth and Family and/or Police, where there is risk of harm to the child which requires immediate steps to create safety; where there may be a need for Police to be involved in an investigation alongside Child Youth and Family; where there are situations of chronic or serious neglect, emotional or physical abuse that are already having a serious damaging effect on the child; where there are parents/caregivers who have already had a child or young person removed from their care (in these instances these should be assessed by CYF before any referral is made to the Children’s Team if appropriate). Below is a referral form for download. Please note that we encourage you to ring our office and talk to our team about a possible referral. We are also more than willing to come out and meet with you or the family to talk about the Children’s Team approach, and work through the referral form. When the referrer (or in some instances our staff) meets with the family seeking their consent to participate in the Children’s Team approach (including the sharing of agency information), at that stage the referrer will provide the family with the ‘Who We Are’ About Your Privacy in the Children’s Team, and Making a Complaint information. If you have any queries at all, please ring us at our office on (03) 5791072. Dr Lorraine Eade (Ngati Rarua, Ngati Toarangatira) Director| Marlborough Children’s Team – Nga Pukenga Tamariki 1/57 Seymour Street, Blenheim 7201| PO Box 682, Blenheim 7240 T: 64 3 984 7640 E:lorraine.eade@childrensactionplan.govt.nz M: 029 2012 441 
Below an excerpt from the Ministry of Health updated “Get Help Psychoactive Substances” (attached here)
What you can expect if you stop using. If you have been using psychoactive substances regularly and you stop, you are likely to experience withdrawal (also known as detox). Withdrawal can cause symptoms that could last for several weeks or even months. Most people can cope with mild withdrawal by knowing what to expect, taking extra care of themselves (such as resting and drinking water) and possibly using natural remedies to help with sleep and agitation. Most people will complete withdrawal with mild to moderate symptoms. Where to get help: Free confidential advice and support is available. The Alcohol Drug Helpline www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nz on 0800 787 797, after hours Healthline on 0800 611 116. Drug Help website, www.drughelp.org.nz, for people who are concerned about how drugs are affecting their lives. Ministry of Health website – www.health.govt.nz/pshelp For your nearest alcohol and drug service, see alcohol and drug under the Hospitals section of the Whitepages, online go to Addictions Treatment Directory www.addictionshelp.org.nz/Services/Home, www.addictionshelp.org.nz also lists support groups including for families. Nelson Marlborough Addiction Services can be accessed through the hospital switchboard on Nelson ph 546 1800 or 520 9999. 
Read about how one rural woman escaped an abusive marriage.
A woman who continued to farm after ending her abusive marriage has spoken out in the hope it may help others in similar situations. Police say just three in 10 women will report domestic abuse, while seven will remain silent. In 2015 Women's Refuge helped 1059 women in isolated areas around the country. Jo is with the Whanganui branch which helps about five rural women a week. She said abuse was very under reported, but said there were complexities and many women feared they would not be believed. 
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End Forced Marriage with Shakti Youth
Stopping and preventing forced marriage is a community responsibility. We want members of the community, civil society organisations, marriage celebrants, educational institutions, government agencies and religious organisations and leaders to pledge a commitment to ending forced and under-age marriage in communities living in Aotearoa. How can you help end forced marriage?
Advocacy Win! This month, a Bill has been passed in Parliament which means 16 and 17 year olds must get permission from a family court judge to get married after the judge has carried out an investigation. This means that the two young people getting married will be interviewed by the judge without the parents there. You can read articles about the Bill passed in Parliament here. http://youth.shakti.org.nz/ 
New Zealand Family Violence Clearing House - LIBRARY
Items recently added to the library. Last updated on 31 January 2019. Click on the title links to access these items. Contact the Information Specialist for more help. https://nzfvc.org.nz/content/whats-new-library 
Seminars & Workshops For February - Nelson
Child Protection Level 1 - Safeguarding Children seminar - Nelson - 19 Feb 2019 Grow your child protection knowledge and skills with this seminar delivered by Safeguarding Children Initiative. No matter which sector you work or volunteer in, this seminar will give you the skills to protect children. Includes:
https://nzfvc.org.nz/events/child-protection-level-1-safeguarding-children-seminar-nelson-19-feb-2019 Advanced Child Protection Workshop: Safeguarding Children and young people - Nelson - 20 Feb 2019 Are you looking to deepen your knowledge of child protection? Are you a designated person for child protection in your organisation, and/or dealing with child protection situations? Participants will have an action plan to take back to their organisations. Workshop includes:
New book, Engaging Men and Boys in Violence Prevention
Wed, 07 Nov 2018 - 16:10 Michael Flood Across the globe, violence prevention initiatives focused on men and boys are proliferating rapidly. The new book Engaging Men and Boys in Violence Prevention highlights effective and innovative strategies for the primary prevention of domestic violence, sexual violence, and other forms of harassment and abuse. It combines research on gender, masculinities, and violence with case studies from a wide variety of countries and settings. Through the cross-disciplinary examination of these varied efforts, this work will enable advocates, educators, and policy-makers to understand, assess, and implement programs and strategies which involve men and boys in initiatives to prevent violence against women. The book is available from: https://www.palgrave.com/us/book/9781137442109. Visit the SOURCE of this article for a discount flyer for purchase. and a brief summary of each chapter 
Strangulation criminalised under new law
The new strangulation or suffocation offence came into effect on Monday with a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment as part of the Family Violence (Amendments) Act, replacing the Domestic Violence Act. The act rolls out in two phases, with the second to begin in July next year. Three new family violence offences were introduced: strangulation, coercion to marry, and assault on a person in a family relationship. Justice Minister Andrew Little said the new law marked a "significant update" to family violence legislation and established the importance of and respect for victims. "These new offences criminalise behaviours and practices that can now be prosecuted specifically under family violence," he said. The Bail Act was also amended, giving police and courts the power to impose bail conditions on defendants charged with family violence offences, to protect the victim and family. Under the Act, video recordings made by police within two weeks can now be heard in court. "This change will help reduce trauma and improve the court experience for victims of family violence and will be implemented throughout the country over time," Under-Secretary for Justice Jan Logie said. "These changes are designed to bring a much stronger focus onto the safety of victims, the roles and responsibilities of the workforce and better protect people vulnerable to specific offences, such as forced marriage." Full Stuff Article HERE 
Government backs strangulation law change
5:14 pm on 8 March 2016 The Law Commission is recommending making non-fatal strangulation a crime separate to assault, and has strong backing from the government. "Strangulation is an act that is designed to control and manipulate the victims." The commission said studies had shown that if a woman was strangled, there was a high risk of her being killed in the future by her attacker. "In at least half of all cases, strangulation does not result in an obvious external injury even when victims suffer internal injuries or serious mental harm," it said. Justice Minister Amy Adams said in a domestic violence context, strangulation can have a devastating and long-lasting psychological impact. "A standalone offence sends a clear-cut message that this form of abuse is unacceptable and recognises that strangulation can be a critical risk factor of escalating family violence," she said. Read the full article here: http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/298411/government-backs-strangulation-law-change 
KNOW THE DANGER SIGNS RESOURCE
The "It's not OK" campaign has developed the "Know the Danger Signs" resource, including videos, to help friends, family and others to identify signs that someone is in danger of being killed by their partner.
The web page also has resources available for download or to order, like brochures and posters. 
28 SEPTEMBER 2018
Doing things differently to end family and sexual violence For the first time, chief executives from across the public service will be taking collective responsibility to end family and sexual violence in New Zealand. Speaking at the annual conference of the Māori Women’s Welfare League in Gisborne, Under-Secretary to the Minister of Justice (Domestic and Sexual Violence Issues) Jan Logie outlined the “joint venture” approach which will ensure every part of the government is working together in a strategic, planned way. “Everyone should be able to live free from violence, but too often people don’t know where to go for help, or don’t have the right kind of help available to them. As a society, we have tragically failed to provide sustainable support or put resources into preventing family and sexual violence from happening in the first place,” says Jan Logie. “We want to see less offending, less re-offending, and fewer victims of crime who are better supported. Removing obstacles which frustrate government agencies from working effectively together is important for building a more safe and effective justice system,” says Minister of Justice Andrew Little. “Today’s announcement puts a decade of government neglect behind us and sets a course to reducing New Zealand’s unacceptable record of sexual and domestic violence.” More detail on this and link to the full Press Release above HERE 
CELIA
Amanda Millar’s moving documentary celebrates the enduring legacy of Celia Lashlie, a passionate advocate for social interventions that equipped those long deprived of choice with the tools for responsible decision making. As part of the NZ International Film Festival a documentary about Celia Lashlie will run on 26 and 27 August in Nelson at the Suter Gallery. If you are interested in attending here is the link to the site where you can get more information and book tickets www.nziff.co.nz/2018/film/celia. 
A systems approach for generational change
Working in collaboration with Synergia and ACC, Le Va is ensuring that Atu-Mai is a nationally coordinated systems change programme of work. We will also work alongside Pasifika community organisations and groups to provide resources that will complement their work and support them to prevent violence in our communities. Atu-Mai tools and resources take an educational and skills-based approach aiming for behavioural change across generations, strengthening Pasifika communities by developing confident and resilient Pasifika young people. The programme content combines evidence-based approaches with expert knowledge, community leadership, and co-design with Pasifika young people to ensure it is culturally relevant, family focused and community-led. https://www.leva.co.nz/our-work/violence-prevention 
Dedicated body to lead and coordinate family and sexual violence system
The Government has announced funding for a dedicated body to lead the transformation of the family and sexual violence system. Budget 2018 invests $2m in the establishment of the body, which will provide a single point of leadership and accountability for the whole-of-government response to family and sexual violence. It is responsible for improving the way in which Government agencies work together to reduce family violence and sexual violence, and how they engage meaningfully with service providers and the wider sector. Jan Logie MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister of Justice (Domestic and Sexual Violence), said, “An effective family and sexual violence system requires sustained leadership and coordination. It’s clear the current system is failing to prevent violence or provide the integrated responses people need. That’s why we’re creating a dedicated body to transform and lead the system.” The body will set a clear direction for the Government’s commitment to prevent and reduce family and sexual violence, with a collective strategy designed in partnership with the sector, Māori and other stakeholders. The body will identify gaps in the system, inform the allocation of family and sexual violence investment across agencies, facilitate solutions by Māori, for Māori, and lead the system transformation needed so that we can reduce family and sexual violence. The form this body will take will be confirmed in due course, but this initiative is consistent with recommendations made by recent reviews, including the Family Violence Death Review Committee, the Law Commission, the Productivity Commission, and the People’s Blueprint. 
Keep up-to-date HERE with up coming EVENTS listed on the NZ Family Violence Clearinghouse Website
Visit the website for information on numerous upcoming events. 
Raise our Men - Full Film Below
Free online course on violence against women
International online learning provider FutureLearn is offering a free online course on violence against women, participants can start this week. The course, Understanding Violence Against Women: Myths and Realities takes two hours a week for six weeks. The course descriptions says "The United Nations considers violence against women to be a grave violation of human rights of epidemic proportions. Such violence has profoundly negative consequences for individuals, communities and entire societies. This is why violence against women is a priority issue for governments and societies around the world. On this course you will learn about the roots of violence against women, the principles of gender inequality at its centre and most importantly, how to challenge entrenched attitudes that impact women the world over." Key topics covered include:
FutureLearn is owned by The Open University and develops courses in partnership with universities and other institutions. The course is available for free without a certificate, or to receive a Certificate of Achievement you need to pay $54 and mark 90% of the steps on the course as complete. More Information and Sign-up HERE 
Family Start have Updated their Referral Form - Download link Below!
Summit and online survey report back
Welcome to the latest update from the Multi Agency Team on the Government's Family and Sexual Violence Work Programme. Eighty-eight people commented on the Family Violence Summit's themes via the online survey, which closed on Friday, June 16. The theme most commented on was 'Helping children and their whānau to live without family violence', with 73 commenters. Sixty-eight people commented on the theme 'Taking opportunities to intervene earlier'; 42 people commented on 'Supporting seniors, people with disabilities and migrant communities', and 35 people commented on the theme 'Kaupapa Māori whānau-centred approaches'. Fifty-two people made a further comment about a topic of their choosing. Many of these comments were complex and included specific suggestions. To ensure nothing is lost, we will analyse them fully and report back to Ministers and the sector. The outcomes will feed into the work of the Ministerial Group on Family Violence and Sexual Violence. Hear the Key Note Speakers Below 
Police Survey for Victims of Sexual Assault
NZ Police published new content on their website to support victims of sexual assault including an online survey.
The survey is for adult victims of sexual assault to provide feedback about how their investigation was handled. The survey asks respondents brief questions on specific areas of the investigation, from how they were treated when they first spoke to Police, through to the ongoing investigation and the final result. Police are also seeking feedback on the support and communication provided. Feedback from the survey will be used to improve the service Police provide now and in the future. The new web content also includes information about safety, consent, how to get help, victim's rights and general information about sexual assault. 
Recommended reading on family and whānau violence.
Prepared by the New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse,
University of Auckland, May 2017. Read online below or download as a PDF or Word document For more information, please contact the Information Specialist Downloads: Recommended reading on family and whānau violence (PDF, 637 KB) Recommended reading on family and whānau violence (Word DOCX, 705 KB) About this reading list: This list of reports, articles and resources is a selection by the New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse (NZFVC). Its purpose is to provide quick access to key research, reports, conceptual frameworks, tools and other resources that have been influential and useful in developing under-standings of family violence, whānau violence, violence against women and gendered violence over time. We use "family violence" as an umbrella term including intimate partner violence, child abuse and neglect, elder abuse and more. Items range from websites, tools and YouTube clips to reports and journal articles. Some of them are classic or seminal pieces and some are newer; they are ones we tend to come back to again and again. They are ones we frequently send out when people ask us for information on these topics. It is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the large amount of invaluable research that has been done and resources that have been created, but, we hope, a useful reference. Where an item is in the NZFVC library, the link goes to the library record – click on the link to bring up a brief description. Some ways you could use this list include:
To see the entire article please click HERE 
Know the Danger Signs
It's Not OK launches new resources on lethality Signs that someone is in danger of being killed by their partner are often missed by friends, family and others until it is too late. Controlling behaviour Intimidation Threats to kill Strangulation and 'choking' Worsening violence – more severe, more frequent Intense jealousy or possessiveness Stalking READ MORE HERE: http://areyouok.org.nz/family-violence/the-danger-signs/ 
Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu is proud to announce the launch of the Whānau Ora Directory
Often, one of the challenges facing whānau is that they do not know how to find a resource that fits their needs. The Whānau Ora Directory aims to easily connect whānau to the appropriate resources in their area. Information on Whānau Ora services across the motu has been collected and collated into one website, allowing whānau to quickly and easily find an organisation that suit their needs, whether it be information, advice and support on education, health, business or housing. Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu would like to thank the teams at Ariki Creative, Māui Studios and Manu Media for their dedication and support in developing this important resource. Te Putahitanga o Te Waipounamu would also like to thank all of those who contributed their information to the website. We see this as a work in progress; as the momentum continues to build so too will the website! We hope that it will continue to grow and be a resource for whānau now and in the future. Check it out by following the link below: http://whanauora.co.nz/ Mauri Ora! 
Below is Mark Preston-Thomas's ACC talk follow-up letter.
Thanks for the opportunity to speak with the MVIP group today – I’ve now followed up on the couple of questions raised. As we discussed, www.findsupport.co.nz lists organisations that provide support to sensitive claim clients. At this time they are not able to list the 1300 individual providers who provide services for these organisations on the website, however many of these organisations have their own websites that do provide this level of detail. I will however pass on your feedback to the national manager of sensitive claims so that this can be looked at in future website updates. If a person has an existing sensitive injury claim, and are looking for further support they can access ISSC (Integrated Service for Sensitive Claims) in a similar way to a new claim by approaching one of the approved providers and not have to pay surcharges. Hope this is helpful – please let me know of any other questions. Mark ACC, Insurance and Prevention Services Tel 03 545 7811 / Mobile 027 276 0064 / Fax 03 545 7801 www.acc.co.nz 
Sharing personal information of families and vulnerable children
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| community_newsletter_june_2016.pdf |
| community_newsletter_april_2016.pdf |
| community_newsletter_february_2016.pdf |
| community_newsletter_october_2015.pdf |
| community_newsletter-june-2015-lre1.pdf |
