Northland is taking a stand against domestic violence and now people passing through Kaeo will get a graphic reminder of the stance with an anti-violence billboard taking pride of place on the town's police station.
Kaeo residents and motorists on State Highway 10 will find it hard to miss the sign which states: "It's not ok to hurt our children." It is part of the "Family Violence: It's Not OK in Whangarei" campaign, set up in response to an escalating problem in the region and some high profile incidents. It is run by community bodies, including police, Northland District Health Board, Women's Refuge, Barnardos, Ngati Hine Health Trust, The Pulse and Manaia Health Primary Health Organisation.
"Facing north-bound traffic the Kaeo board is highly visible and provides a good reminder that we do not tolerate family violence in our community," Northland DHB communications manager Liz Inch said.
"Children are our future and we must protect them at all cost. What you learn at home is what you do at home and outside. If you are learning violence at home it becomes the norm and continues the cycle of violence."
Key aspects of the messages are that it is OK to ask for help," she said.