With an influx of migrants and an ageing population, East Manukau's social issues are expected to persist in 2010. But one programme is finding success, reports Rowena Orejana. In August last year, The Aucklander spoke with John Steele, a Rotarian behind the Rotary Against Violence At Home project, which abbreviates nicelyto the word Ravah. Mr Steele pointed out that people from Africa, Asia and the Middle East sometimes bring cultures and attitudes to women that clash with prevailing Kiwi values. The frustrations of adults unable to adapt to the Kiwi culture and language give rise to violence in the home. "Almost all of the cases supported by Ravah in 2009 have been children, caught up in
violence usually against their mother,'' says Mr Steele. About 70 to 80 incidents of domestic violence were reported each week in East Manukau. "Unfortunately the incidence of serious family violence in our area has not abated this
year,'' he now reports. "In fact, the national statistics show a further increase,'' he says. Penrose and Howick Rotary Clubs have been funding the project almost exclusively at a cost of $10,000 annually. It is being implemented by the Manukau East Council of Social Services. "The help extended has involved specific counselling for children by several excellent
professionals working locally - not just to help them deal with the things they see at home, but also to try and prevent the cycle continuing in their own lives later on,'' Mr
Steele says. He adds emergency monies have also been authorised to help families with things like
reconnecting electricity, paying for bus fares to emergency services and, in some cases, providing simple food basics. "In the three years this Rotary programme has been running as a 'trial', the need for such help has been clearly established by this increasing incidence,'' he says. Mr Steele echoes his earlier call for other groups to step up to the plate and help. While
Rotary will continue to support the project, the help of other community trusts, businesses and individuals are needed to keep it up. "The follow-up with counsellors, Victim Support and others actually dealing with the
problems, has continued to underline the significant benefits of such intervention,'' he
says. If you want to know more or can help, email: admin@mecoss.org.nz
