Uniform approach to family violence

WDHB staff members Reniti Tapa, Jacqui Broughton, Tracey Cossey (second from right) and Candice Rosslee. Photo/ Supplied

Family violence is an issue people need to think about every day and not just on White Ribbon Day.

That is the message from Whanganui hospital staff who have been wearing black and white anti violence shirts every Friday as part of their work uniform.

Whanganui District Health Board (WDHB) family violence coordinator Tracey Cossey said the shirts were introduced last year to mark White Ribbon Day and send a strong anti-violence message.

"The shirts had a good response so we sought permission for staff to wear them on Fridays year-round," she said.

Ms Cossey said the board's decision to approve the shirts has paid off.

"Six months later, I and some of my fellow staff members, have been pleased to learn that the message is having a profound impact on those we're trying to reach out to and help.

"We've had visitors to the hospital and people in the community tell us that when they read 'Stand up, speak out about family violence. It's ok to ask for help' they found the strength to leave an abusive relationship and seek help," Ms Cossey said.

People who haven't experienced family violence have also congratulated the WDHB for making a stand.

Ms Cossey said she applauded the WDHB for getting behind the shirts and saying yes to staff wanting to wear them year-round.

"Family violence is an issue people need to think about every day, and not just on White Ribbon Day. It's an issue that affects people of all ages and in all corners of our society for whom the consequences can be far-reaching.

"I'm very proud we have staff who want to do all they can to stop family violence and proud we have men and women on our staff getting behind the cause."

Organisations who can help and support those affected include:

•Family Works
•New Zealand Police
•Ministry for Vulnerable Children - Oranga Tamariki
•Tupoho - Iwi and community social services Trust
•Whanganui Safe & Free
•Age Concern
•Jigsaw
•Te Oranganui
•RISE Stopping Violence programme
•Women's Refuge.

Whanganui DHB is a member of the Violence Intervention Network (VIN) which includes 42 membership agencies who meet monthly to discuss the work being undertaken in Whanganui to reduce family violence.