New scheme aims to shield children from violence

Jill Proudfoot said that trained advocates would see children before domestic violence became a problem. File photo/ The Aucklander

Preventing two-year-olds witnessing family violence is at the heart of a new First Response pilot launched today.

The country's largest violence prevention agency, Shine, has partnered with police and will go into violent homes where children under two live.

Last year police dealt with 50,000 reports of family violence across the country.

At a launch in Auckland this morning, Shine client service director Jill Proudfoot said the pilot would run until June next year and serve 500 children aged under two.

She said the programme would see trained Shine advocates going to homes across Auckland City where domestic violence has taken place.

"We'll see them before it becomes an ongoing problem," Ms Proudfoot said.

She said a violence assessment would be carried out in the homes and would look at possible alcohol, drug and gang problems that could be leading to domestic violence.

Ms Proudfoot said sometimes a young child would have been in the arms of the attacker or victim during a domestic violence episode.

She said advocates would also put together a safety plan which could include installing a phone, securing doors and windows or installing smoke alarms where there was a threat of possible arson.

Ms Proudfoot said having an advocate visit the home would allow victims to access services that they might otherwise not be aware of.

Three advocates are taking part in the pilot and would have the support of police if there is a risk to them being injured, she said.

"But for the majority of offenders, violence is targeted at one person. When we call they can be very charming."

Auckland District Police Commander George Fraser praised the programme and said it brought together, family, community and neighbourhood.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett also spoke at the launch and said the programme targeted those that were most vulnerable.

She said the programme was a response to some "appalling statistics".

Ms Bennett said last year there were 3456 cases of abuse against children under two and 75 babies were admitted to hospital as a result of abuse - one every five days.

"Quite frankly, something has to be done."

She said domestic violence was a top priority for the Government.

"It is a small step but can make a big difference in the lives of children," Ms Bennett said.

"If people can't protect their own children, we will. if parents can't quite stop into that, we will," she said.

Ms Bennett also appealed to people working on the front-line of domestic violence to come forward with their ideas on how to fight the problem.