House and help for family violence offenders

Amy Adams announced the new initiative in Hamilton today. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The Government is spending $1.1m to put roofs over the head of family violence perpetrators in Hamilton.

It is part of a new initiative, started in Christchurch six months ago, that seeks to keep victims safe in their own homes - while giving offenders the help they need to stop the violence.

In Christchurch, the Stopping Violence Service has so far provided emergency housing for 22 people who had committed family violence.

Justice and social housing minister Amy Adams announced this afternoon the Hamilton Abuse Intervention Project has been awarded the second contract.

She said evidence showed it was better to remove perpetrators of violence than to uproot victims and children from the family home.

The offenders would be housed in the emergency accommodation after being served a police safety order, which would stop them from returning to the family home for up to five days. Adams said perpetrators must agree to be referred to the service, which would also help them address their behaviour.

"It gives them the opportunity to cool down, accept help and address their abusive behaviour, while ensuring that victims and children can stay safe in their own homes."

She said the service would refer them onto the Integrated Safety Response pilots, in which core agencies and NGOs worked together to create family safety plans for the victim, the perpetrator and the wider family.

Where to get help

If you're in danger NOW:
• Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you
• Run outside and head for where there are other people
• Scream for help so your neighbours can hear you
• Take the children with you
• Don't stop to get anything else
• If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay

Where to go for help or more information:
• Women's Refuge: Free national crisisline operates 24/7 - 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz
• Shine, free national helpline 9am- 11pm every day - 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz
• It's Not Ok: Information line 0800 456 450 www.areyouok.org.nz
• Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and their children. Crisisline 24/7 0800 742 584
• Ministry of Justice: www.justice.govt.nz/family-justice/domestic-violence
• National Network of Stopping Violence: www.nnsvs.org.nz
• White Ribbon: Aiming to eliminate men's violence towards women, focusing this year on sexual violence and the issue of consent. www.whiteribbon.org.nz

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