Police are targeting three Masterton families who top domestic violence statistics in an effort to break the family violence cycle.
Masterton police Maori liaison officer Constable Rob Rutene has been working with other community groups to aid the families.
"We identified three families from domestic violence statistics and we got together and
formulated a group and went there and provided support and counselling," Mr Rutene said.
He said while he couldn't name the families they also rated high in statistics for other crime, including dishonesty offending.
As well as normal policing of crime the group goes in and talks to the family, tries to identify the problems, help them and refer them to other agencies, including Child, Youth and Family, if it is needed.
"Basically it's about them trusting police. There are a lot of old views of police but we are not just there to lock you up. We are concerned and we're trying to help," Mr Rutene said.
"It's about breaking the cycle and little cycles, getting the kids in the right schools, trying to get them into work."
He said the rate of reoffending for domestic violence in those families has dropped.
The group was now looking at extending the programme to a top five families.
Wairarapa Police area controller, Sergeant John Johnston, said the group's work was important in reducing the workload of police now and in the future.
- HOROWHENUA-KAPITI CHRONICLE (LEVIN)
