Safety

Living in a safe and secure neighbourhood and household is very important for our mental and physical wellbeing. This section contains some information which you can access to get help if you feel that you or your family can be at danger.

In case of an emergency, or imminent danger, always dial 111.

If you are living next to neighbours that are behaving in an anti-social manner, and are disturbing the peace of the environment, you can all the police. Find your local New Zealand Police Station here - www.police.govt.nz/contact-us/stations

Sometimes people have loud parties (after 11pm on weekdays) which may disturb your sleep - in this case, you need to report them anonymously to Noise Control in your local area through your City Council.

Wellington - wellington.govt.nz/report-a-problem/noise-control/make-a-noise-complaint

Auckland - www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/licences-regulations/noise/Pages/complain-about-noise.aspx

Christchurch - ccc.govt.nz/services/noise-control

Services to help victims of Family Violence

0800 733 843 Women's Refuge crisis line. Free call, 24 hours, every day. It is a service that supports and helps women and children who suffer from domestic violence. It offers education and information services, it can also provide victims of violence with a safe place in case you urgently require accommodation.
0508 744 633 Shine Helpline. Free to call, from 9am to 11pm, every day. It is a support service for children and people suffering from domestic violence. It also assists men who engage in domestic violence who wish to change their behaviour.
0800 456 450 It's Not OK info line. Free to call, from 9am to 11pm, every day. It is a support service for people suffering from domestic violence. It also assists persons who engage in domestic violence who wish to change their behaviour.
0800 044 334 Safe to Talk. Free to call, 24 hours, every day. Confidential help for people who have suffered sexual abuse, or for those who have abused someone. They can connect you with other help if you need it.
0800 439 276 Hey Bro. Free call, 24 hours, every day. Help for men who are worried about harming a loved one or a family member and want to change their behaviour.
1737 Need to Talk? Talk to a trained counsellor if you need support with grief, anxiety, stress, or mental well-being.

Police Protection

Police Safety Orders are issued by the police, to protect members of the public from threat of harm. These orders can force a domestic abuser to leave the home for a defined period of time, even if the person owns or lives in the place. The protective order can last up to 10 days; if longer periods are needed, a judicial process must be initiated through the court system. It is not possible to apply for a Police Safety Order. The police make case-by-case determinations about when to use this tool. Officers in New Zealand are trained to recognise signs of domestic abuse, and may ask to speak with you privately to hear your account of any violence. You can request a female officer when dealing with the police.

Application for Permanent Protection (Protection Order)

The police can provide ongoing protection for victims of domestic violence, and depending on the severity of the violence, you may wish to request a Protection Order. Disputes of this nature are typically resolved through the family court system, and any request for police protection should be made with the help of an attorney. If you want to know more about these legal resources, contact the Community Law closest to your home. Community Law provides free legal advice in New Zealand. communitylaw.org.nz

Financial Support

Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) has resources specifically dedicated to covering basic expenses for victims of domestic violence. To find out if you qualify for these benefits, you should call the 0800 559 009 to schedule an interview, where they will evaluate your particular case.

Other Support

If you are employed, you may automatically be entitled to up to 10 days of paid leave from your employer if you have experienced domestic violence. To access this benefit, it is advisable to have a conversation with the employer to agree on how this right will be used. To learn more about this benefit, we recommend you visit this page.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What happens if a person calls to report a violent family situation and then changes their mind and doesn't want to report the violence?

A: Nothing. You decide whether to continue or not.

Q: What happens if the person calls the crisis line (0800 733843)?

A: An agent on duty answers you and you can explain or ask for immediate help. You always decide.

Q: What if I want to talk to someone, but not at home?

A: A social worker or other agent can arrange to meet with you in a safe, neutral, public place.

Q: What if I need to leave my home with my children?

A: If you have full or shared custody of your children, you can be transferred to a safe house at a confidential address.

Q: Does the Women's Refuge contact the violent party?

A: No. The work and support is mainly with the woman and her dependent children. Separately from this, there are classes and support offered for violent men who wish to change.