Editorial: Domestic violence is not okay

Domestic violence is never ok.

The question needs to be asked: what is wrong with some men in our community?

Yesterday's special cover story by Ruth Keber on the state of domestic violence in the Bay is an eye-opener and leaves me wondering why certain people think it's okay to intimidate, threaten and hit women.

Yes, the Western Bay is a special place and offers a great lifestyle.

But scratch under the surface in some parts of it and it is evident we have a festering problem.

The special report revealed that crisis calls to Tauranga Women's Refuge have increased 65 per cent this year.

In the 2013-2014 financial year, 780 crisis calls were made to the refuge.

Three-quarters of the way through this financial year this figure already sits at 1276.

In the 2013-2014 year, 171 women and children were looked after at the refuge's safe house.

Already this financial year, 122 women and children have had to use the safe house.

Those at highest risk have been victims of kidnapping, sexual assault, and stalking.

The Tauranga refuge does a terrific job and needs our support.

It's good that high-profile advertising and media campaigns have shined a bright light on this issue nationally. We all know the It's Not OK adverts and every time I watch them it hits home just how vulnerable some people are. New Zealand has come a long way over the years in fronting up to the problem. But it still exists.

Our columnist Richard Moore, in today's edition, is right when he says we must all keep an eye out for our friends, relatives or children.

And if we know something is going on to do something about it.

Domestic violence is a scourge in our community.

It is most certainly not okay.