HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury

Referral & support agencies (assault)

Tohu toronga me ngā umanga tautoko (whakaekenga)

Local support agencies

Canterbury police (03) 363-7400 (but call 111 for an emergency)

Refuges (all 24 hours per day, 7 days a week)

• Aviva Family Violence Services 0800 AVIVA NOW (0800‑2848‑2669)
• Battered Women's Trust (03) 364-8900
• Shakti Ethnic Women's Refuge 0800-742-584
• Te Whare Hauora 0800-117-474
• West Christchurch Women's Refuge (03) 379-0575

Elder abuse

• Age Concern Christchurch (03) 366-0903

Stopping violence

• Aviva 24-hour support line 0800 AVIVA NOW (0800‑2848‑2669)
• He Waka Tapu office (03) 373-8150 or crisis line 0800‑439‑252
• In Your Hands (family violence helpline 0800-456-450)
• Stopping Violence Services (03) 365-6266 or 0800-478-778

Services for children

If you have immediate concerns about the safety of tamariki (children), phone Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children on 0508-326-459. You can also call if you are uncertain what to do next or need help or advice.

There are programmes available for:

• Tamariki and rangatahi (young people) – aiming to address their needs and give them the skills and strength to move forward in their lives.
• Adult caregivers – to inform and enable positive parenting approaches.

For more information see It's not OK. Or contact the Christchurch advocate for tamariki and rangatahi experiencing family violence. Phone Barnardos (03) 365-3923 between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm and they will put you through to the best agency for help.

Agencies and their programmes include:

• Aviva Family Violence Services (Women's Refuge) – Christchurch Tamariki Children's Programme

  This 10-week education group programme about family (whānau) violence is for tamariki aged 5 to 12 years. It offers one-to-one support for tamariki and rangatahi experiencing family violence.

  Phone: 0800‑28482‑669 (0800‑AVIVA‑NOW)

• Barnardos – Footsteps to Feeling Safe

  This nine-week group programme is for tamariki aged 4 to 14 years who have experienced family violence.

  Phone: 0800-227-627 (0800-BARNARDOS)

Helplines

• Barnados Child Helpline 0800 WHATSUP (0800-942‑8787)
• Family Violence Helpline 0800-456-450
• Lifeline 0800-543-354
• SHINE 0508-744-633

Others

• Community Law Canterbury (03) 366-6870
• It's not OK – Resources for patients and practices, including patient stories and resources for those concerned about family members.
• Te Puna Oranga (for Māori women) (03) 381-8472
• Te Whatu Ora family violence guidelines – Resources and information for providers.

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed October 2023.

Page reference: 48117

Review key: HIRSA-16814