BREAKING SILENCE
This powerful series, “Breaking Silence”, brings together many voices to share one crucial truth: abuse thrives in secrecy. The only way to stop domestic violence is to spread awareness and find the courage to speak out. Often hidden in plain sight, domestic violence requires a collective effort to reveal and address it, offering real help to those affected and inspiring change in society.
The stories in “Breaking Silence” highlight the strength of those who have faced and valiantly overcome domestic violence. By sharing these personal stories, the series challenges the beliefs that allow abuse to continue and encourages the community to call out abuse when they see signs of it. It stresses the importance of awareness and the need to actively intervene, showing that breaking the cycle of abuse requires both the bravery of survivors and the involvement of everyone around them.
FAQ's
Raising awareness is crucial because domestic violence often remains hidden in plain sight. By spreading awareness, we can help reveal and address the issue, offering real help to those affected and inspiring societal change.
Sharing personal stories helps by bringing the hidden struggles of survivors into the open, raising awareness, challenging societal norms, and encouraging others to speak out and seek help.
The series hopes to inspire change in society by bringing the realities of domestic violence into the open, challenging harmful beliefs, and fostering a supportive environment where survivors can find a path to healing and empowerment.
Signs of domestic violence can include physical injuries, fear of a partner, controlling behaviour, isolation from friends and family, verbal threats, and emotional manipulation.
Offer support without judgment, listen to them, encourage them to seek professional help, and provide information about available resources. Do not confront the abuser directly.
Resources include Women’s Refuge, Shine, the National Network of Stopping Violence, and government services like the Ministry of Social Development. These organisations provide hotlines, shelters, counselling, and legal assistance.
To report domestic violence, call the New Zealand Police on 111 in emergencies. For non-emergencies, you can contact the local police station or reach out to support services like Women’s Refuge or Shine for guidance.
Victims can apply for Protection Orders and Police Safety Orders, which provide legal protection from the abuser. These orders can restrict the abuser’s actions and contact with the victim.
If you are in immediate danger, call 111. Seek support from trusted friends or family, and contact organisations like Women’s Refuge or Shine for assistance with safety planning, counselling, and legal advice.
Yes, services like Child, Youth and Family (CYF) and various non-profit organizations offer support specifically for children affected by domestic violence, including counselling and safe accommodation.
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