Violence Free Waipa

02/11/2025

White Ribbon Day – November 25th
White Ribbon Day, also known as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, is a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about and taking action to prevent violence against women and girls. It serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing gender-based violence and promoting gender equality.
The white ribbon itself is a symbol of men’s commitment to ending violence against women, with men pledging to be part of the solution to this pervasive problem. It is observed on November 25th each year and marks the beginning of the “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” a global campaign that runs until December 10th, International Human Rights Day.
New Zealand Intimate Partner Violence Research
A recently released research report by Women’s Refuge is based on the lived experiences of more than 1,700 women and non-binary victims, and shows that leaving an abusive partner doesn’t end the violence — and that for many, safety remains out of reach due to broken systems.
“This research shows us that risk does not stop when a relationship ends,” says Dr Natalie Thorburn, Principal Policy Advisor at Women’s Refuge. “Victims continue to carry the mental, emotional, physical, and financial costs of violence for years — sometimes decades — after leaving.”

The Hidden Costs of “Getting Out”

At the peak of the violence, victims spent up to 7 hours per day mentally planning for safety and lost 9 hours of rest — leading to exhaustion, memory loss, and burnout. Even after separation:
• 89% reported worsened mental health
• 74% reported worsened physical health
• 63% ended up in debt
• 54% struggled to afford food and groceries
• 30% couldn’t access safe housing

A System Making Victims Work Harder for Safety
Victims described being disbelieved, blamed, and forced through exhausting bureaucratic hoops — often while parenting alone and recovering from trauma. On average:
• Victims interacted with five different services
• Spent 12 hours per month over 9 months seeking support
• Took 21 hours of contact before getting meaningful help

Only one in four said the violence stopped as a result of engaging with services. Support shouldn’t be another barrier — it should be the circuit breaker

Check out the New Zealand White Ribbon Day website below

Show you're against violence towards women

21/08/2025

Just passing on an opportunity from Backbone Collective to participate in their latest survey on stopping violence interventions. Please read below and click on the link to participate.

The Backbone Collective is running a major new survey open to all women victim-survivors of family violence, to investigate if and why stopping-violence activities make women and their children safer. What specific behaviour changes in people using violence do women need to see in order to be safe? If you know someone who has attended a stopping-violence programme, what were the (positive and/or negative) effects of that attendance? The survey is anonymous and closes 14 September; completion may take 45-60 minutes; all entries can go into the draw for one of two $200 Prezzy cards. The survey results will inform Backbone’s advocacy for a safer violence-response system for victim-survivors. For more information, go to the survey information page.
Here is the link to the survey if the embedded links above are broken

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8390689/Backbone-SVP-survey

Thanks again to our community advisers for their invaluable feedback and input into the survey: Daysha Tonumaipe’a (researcher, Papakāinga Trust), Celia Hirini (Kaihapai Ahurea/Cultural Champion, Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga), Fariya Begum (Shama Ethnic Women’s Trust), Sandra Dickson (Hohou Te Rongo Kahukura), Debbie Hager (disability advocate), Dr Natalie Thorburn and Holly Carrington (Women’s Refuge) and Dr Neville Robertson.

Ngā mihi
Deborah

Deborah Mackenzie
Agency Manager, Co-founder, The Backbone Collective
https://www.backbone.org.nz/
Considering making a donation to Backbone?
Please visit https://www.backbone.org.nz/donate for more information.

The Backbone Collective is run by its unpaid founders and volunteers. We are totally dependent on the goodwill of public to help us make Backbone a continued success.  We have already achieved so much since we started in early 2017, and with more funding we can achieve much more. Read more

13/08/2025

CHILD SAFEGUARDING WEEK 2025

Child Safeguarding Week 2025 is just around the corner, running from 8 to 14 September. This year, the focus is Parenting in a Digital World.

It is so important to understand the risks your tweens and teens may face online. Cyberbullying and other online harm can seriously affect their wellbeing, but with the right support, you can help them have safer, more positive experiences.

Check out what is planned from Safeguarding Children.....

Join us for Child Safeguarding Week NZ, 8–14 Sept 2025. Help promote digital safety, protect children, and empower families. Donate or explore resources today.

13/08/2025

Passing on this great initiative by Rural Support NZ.........

Take a break with Rural Support: Brunch shout for our rural communities

Rural Support is inviting farmers, growers, and rural communities to take a well-earned break and join us for Brunch on Us - a series of all-sector, relaxed drop-in events across the region.

Running from Thursday 21st of August through to Friday 19th of September, these events are a chance for rural people to come together, enjoy brunch (on us), and connect with others who understand the unique challenges of life on the land.

“You don’t have to register, and there are no speeches or presentations - just a warm welcome and some delicious food,” says Wanda Leadbeater from the Trust. “This is about checking in with each other, sharing updates, and reminding our communities that they’re not alone.”

Rural Support Waikato will be hosting brunch at local locations from Pollok to Tirohanga, with support from local networks and organisations. Whether you’ve got five minutes or an hour, drop in any time between 10:30am-12:30pm. It’s low-key, no fuss – just good people and a bit of time off the farm.

Brunch On Us locations, in order of event date:
Onewhero, Tatuanui, Ngatea, Matamata, Putaruru, Te Awamutu, Waihi Beach, Otorohanga, Piopio, Aka Aka, Tokoroa, Gordonton, Mangatangi, Tirohanga, Pollok, Reporoa, and Ngakuru.

For full dates and venues, visit: https://lnkd.in/gcc7gczA

We are rural support, together. Proudly supported by: Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Fonterra, Farm Source, Power Farming, OFI, FMG, Kaimai Eggs, Open Country, Auckland Council, BYL Livestock, Fern, DairyNZ, MPI's OnFarm Support Team, Mangatangi-Maramarua Catchment Group, Tatua, and Miraka.

About Rural Support Trust
The Rural Support Trust plays a vital role in supporting New Zealand’s rural people through difficult times - whether it’s drought, floods, mental health challenges, or financial strain. Their confidential, on-the-ground assistance helps build resilience and keeps communities strong when it matters most.
These events are not only a get together, they are a reminder that no one in rural New Zealand needs to face hardship alone.

Events | Rural Support Trust NZ
rural-support.org.nz

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

13/08/2025

Get behind this great initiative Cambridge - Dress for Success do an amazing job supporting our most vulnerable women. They played an integral role in engaging with our I AM ME programme for victim-survivors of family violence earlier this year. Let's support this great cause.

12/08/2025

This Mental Health Awareness Week (6-12 October), the Mental Health Foundation are shining a light on the power of social connection - and the understanding that wellbeing isn’t just an individual journey. Together, we have a shared responsibility to uplift one another as we care for ourselves.

You may also have seen that the government has just launched a national wellbeing campaign called Top Up which focuses on simple, everyday ways to boost your wellbeing. Based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing, the Top Up campaign shows that when we take the actions that top up our own mental meter, we can really feel the benefits – for ourselves and others too.

To maximise the impact for the people of Aotearoa, Mental Health Awareness Week will be aligned with this national Top Up campaign shining a light on one key aspect in particular.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 theme is Top Up Together

Why together? Because the evidence is clear: a shared, community-based approach to wellbeing delivers lasting benefits. We’re excited to spread this message far and wide and encourage you to connect with others as you bring the Five Ways to Wellbeing into your daily life.

Social connection is essential to our wellbeing. It gives us purpose and a sense of belonging, helps us feel valued, and makes us happier and more secure.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, look after your oranga by topping up together with the Five Ways to Wellbeing:

Me whakawhanaunga / Connect. Tukua / Give. Me kori tonu / Be Active. Me aro tonu / Take Notice. Me ako tonu / Keep Learning.

Mental Health Awareness week is our annual campaign that works to help Kiwis understand what boosts their wellbeing and improves mental health. This year MHAW will take place from the 6th to the 12th of October 2025.

30/07/2025

Net Safety Week - 28 July - 1 August 2025

Netsafe are running their annual Netsafety Week, with this year’s theme being “Power in Partnerships”. Women's Refuge have recently completed some research and found specific risks relating to phones and other digital technology. Perpetrators abuse victims through technology that most of us use every day. Over 80% of Refuge clients have experienced digital abuse through their phones and other technology (Women's Refuge, Family Violence and Techology, March 2024).

NetSafe's website summarises some of the ways in which violence is perpetrated through the use of technology platforms and services. It highlights resources and strategies that have been implemented both in Aotearoa and internationally to counter harm arising from technology-facilitated violence. Check it out.......

Netsafe's annual Netsafety Week runs from July 28 to 1 August 2025 with the theme "Power in Partnerships". This news story summarises some of the ways in which violence is perpetrated through the use of technology platforms and services and highlights resources and strategies that have been implemen...

16/06/2025

Elder Abuse Awareness Week runs from 15-22 June 2025. This year the main message is to “Spot the Signs".

Age Concern New Zealand calls upon all of us to speak out against Elder Abuse. "If you have a gut feeling something is not right or just an inkling someone is being abused, we want you to talk to us," urges Billings-Jensen. The signs you might spot include:

• Injuries such as bruises, cuts, or broken bones
• Malnourishment or weight loss
• Poor hygiene
• Symptoms of anxiety, depression, or confusion
• Unexplained transactions or loss of money
• Withdrawal from family members or friends

Check out some more detail on their website link below.

https://lnkd.in/gvYhttvX

18/11/2024

White Ribbon Day, 25 November 2024, also known as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, is a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about and taking action to prevent violence against women and girls. It serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing gender-based violence and promoting gender equality. Check out some ideas of how you can recognise and support this day, in turn supporting our women in our community who have been or currently are victims of family violence.

White Ribbon Day, also known as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, is a global observance dedicated to raising awareness