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)
- She Charitable Trust 0800-REFUGE (0800-733-843)
- 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)
- Change is possible (family violence helpline 0800-456-450)
- He Waka Tapu office (03) 373-8150 or crisis line 0800‑439‑252
- 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.
Review key: HIRSA-16814
