HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Family violence
Family violence affects many people’s lives. When a family member is violent towards you they can be violent in different ways. The violence can be physical, sexual, emotional or psychological.
If you are affected by violence in your home, it can affect every aspect of your life. It can cause physical injuries and affect your mental wellbeing. You may feel scared and alone.
Abuse is never OK, and neither is feeling scared in your own home. If you are feeling scared or being abused there are many people available to help you.
The first thing to do is to tell someone. This can be hard. Sometimes it’s easier to tell someone don’t know. You could tell a friend, health professional, the police or a support agency.
Important
Phone 111 for the police if you are in immediate danger, or see the list of support lines below for other local organisations that can help.
Support lines
- West Coast Women's Refuge
0800-208‑339 or (03) 789‑8025. For non-urgent issues, email westcoast-refuge@xtra.co.nz.
- Aviva 24-hour support line
0800-AVIVA-NOW (0800‑28482‑669). For other help available from Aviva, see the website below.
- Family Violence helpline
0800-456-450 between 9 am and 11 pm.
- Victims of Crime information line
0800-650-654. Information for people affected by crime.
The following links offer help and resources for people who are affected by family violence, people whose violent behaviour is affecting others, and people who are worried about friends and family.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Are you ok.org.nz
Resources for patients, including patient stories. Resources for those who are concerned about family members or others.
- Aviva
Previously called the Christchurch Women's Refuge, Aviva offers help for people and families to become violence-free. It works with women, children and men who are affected by violence, including those who want to change their own violent behaviour.
- Women's Refuge
Resources and information for people affected by family violence.
Information provided by the Canterbury DHB. Adapted by the West Coast DHB. Last reviewed September 2017.
See also:
Review key: HIFAM-47976
