Key points to remember

• many families in New Zealand are affected by family violence
• family violence is violence between people with a close personal relationship
• family violence can take many forms; for example, if you feel afraid of your partner, controlled or always put down, this can also be family violence
• psychological abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse
• children who hear or see family violence can suffer long-term psychological harm
• a Protection Order can be issued by the Family Court to protect you and your children from further domestic violence
• if you or your children are affected by family violence, call the Family Violence Information Line on 0800 456 450 to find out about the organisations in your area who can help

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Family violence resources

For information about family violence, see the website Family Violence - It's not OK. This provides access to a range of resources, including:

• Are you OK?  
• It is OK to ask for help
  Includes information on how to ask for help, whether experiencing, using or witnessing violence
• Take a look
  A Family Violence resource for men about positive change
• Keeping our kids safe and secure
  

  

  A resource on how family violence affects children

See also:

• New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse
• Youthlaw website which has a section about family violence (referred to as domestic violence) and young people

For detailed information on family violence and Protection Orders, see:

• Women’s Refuge website
• New Zealand Police website
• Applying for a protection order (in English), also in Chinese (Simple), Chinese (Traditional), Hindi,  Maori, Samoan and Tongan at the Family Court website   

Women's Refuge provides support and information when you are dealing with violence in your life. See their contact details and resources available in Child protection (more information, resources, support)). Their website has information about safety planning to help you think about how you might leave a violent situation, including:

• a plan for leaving
• a plan for after you’ve left
• a plan for staying

For information about the Family Court, see:

• Family Court website
• Women’s Refuge website 

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Where to go for more information and support

On this website

Child protection (preventing abuse)

Child protection (what if I'm worried about a child?)

Child protection (when abuse has occurred)

Child protection (family violence)

Child protection (more information, resources, support)

SBS (shaken baby syndrome) prevention

 

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Endorsement

This fact sheet was endorsed by PSNZ - 17/09/2010

Copyright

Fact sheets are subject to copyright. In the interests of information sharing they may be copied but acknowledgement must be given to PSNZ and Starship Foundation.
© The Paediatric Society of New Zealand and Starship Foundation 2005 - 2012

The Paediatric Society of New Zealand http://www.paediatrics.org.nz

Starship Foundation http://www.starship.org.nz