HealthInfo Canterbury

Referral & support agencies (assault)

Local support agencies

Canterbury police (03) 363-7400

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

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

Elder abuse

• Age Concern Christchurch (03) 366-0903

Stopping violence

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

Services for children

If you have immediate concerns about the safety of children, are uncertain what to do next, or need help or advice, phone Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children on 0508-326-459.

There are programmes available for:

• Children and 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 children and young people experiencing family violence: phone Barnardos (03) 365-3923 between 8.30 am and 4.30 p.m, and they will put you through to the best agency for help.

The 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 violence is for children aged 5 to 12 years. It offers one-to-one support for children and teens experiencing family violence.

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

• Barnardos – Footsteps to Feeling Safe

  This nine-week group programme is for children 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
• SHINE 0508-744-633
• Lifeline 0800-543-354

Others

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

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed September 2019. Last updated October 2019.

Page reference: 48117

Review key: HIRSA-16814