Papamoa March reinforces message on abuse

March against violence in papamoa and family fun day Skylah Anderson-Carlaw, 4, and mum Cassandra Anderson. Photo/Andrew Warner

Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence.

That is the message of Trish Ives, organiser of the Papamoa March Against Family Violence and Family Fun Day.

"Domestic violence isn't just about physical violence, it's psychological, emotional and verbal," Ms Ives said. "It's about control - if anyone feels controlled or afraid in their home, they are a victim of domestic violence."

Ms Ives, who is the manager of Papamoa Support Centre, said it was important to raise awareness of the "pervasive effects" of domestic violence in New Zealand by bringing the conversation into the community, similar to what had been done in the past with smoking and drink driving.

"This is a part of changing the attitude to violence and control in families, which has been a huge cost to our country and our families for generations."

To help combat this, the march and fun day were held next to Papamoa Plaza.

Organisations including Papamoa Support Centre, Problem Gambling Foundation, Women's Refuge, Shakti Women's Refuge, police, the Corrections Department, Shine and Papamoa Community Beach Control were all involved in the day - Ms Ives said she wished she had been able to get in contact with more organisations before yesterday's event.

It had been a brilliant day and a "real cross section" of the community had taken part in the various events on offer.

Taking part in the fun was Skylah Anderson-Carlaw, 4, who lined up to get her face painted as soon as she arrived.

Her mother Cassandra Anderson said the family had moved to Papamoa from Whakatane recently and coming to the fun day was an opportunity to get out and about in the community and be social.

* If your agency want to be involved with this event next year, contact Trish Ives at Papamoa Support Centre on 07 574 7171.