Those searching for Valentines Day cards today and tomorrow may be in for a shock. Placed among the cards are some with a less than idyllic message inside. The cards, which have a traditional Valentines Day exterior containing a darker message inside, are part of a campaign designed by ad agency Saatchi & Saatchi to remind New Zealanders that for some women, love has a very different outcome. The campaign aims to bring domestic abuse into the open and encourages New Zealanders to take a... Read more

It is a 17 year old man who is the spokesperson for Women’s Refuge at the popular Parachute music festival in Hamilton this year. Johny O’Donnell is outspoken about the role young people have in stopping violence. When he was 15 he was one of three Nelson college students who began a movement called SAVE, students against violence everywhere. He will be speaking on Ending Relationship Violence to young people at the popular Parachute Music festival. “Women’s Refuge is... Read more

For some refuges in New Zealand it has been a record holiday season with high numbers of women and children using services between Dec 23 and January 14th.“Many refuges have had their busiest year in 25 years, or a 100% increase in referrals or calls,” says Chief Executive Heather Henare. “A recent call out to our 45 independent affiliated refuges has shown that it has definitely been a busy season for women seeking help for domestic violence issues over the holiday period. There... Read more

There’s an old saying that goes- “A problem shared is a problem halved.”   It means that if you let someone know about your problem, it can be much easier to deal with. If you have experienced hurt in your past, healed from it and can even say that you live in hope, then y...ou may want to contribute to a campaign called Hurt, Heal and Hope. Women’s Refuge is holding this campaign alongside the Parachute Music Festival which is being held from January 27 –... Read more

And are things getting better for our most vulnerable in 2011?   A State of the Nation discussion on how life is for Women, Children and Families in New Zealand. Come and listen to a raft of expert speakers and a political panel discuss and debate the issues impacting on the well-being and prosperity of New Zealand’s women,children and families. WHEN: Wednesday 28 September 2011 WHERE: Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki Street,  (Next to Te Papa) TIME: 9.00 am– 3.30pm Coffee... Read more

Date: Tuesday 23rd AugustTime: 10-4pmLocation:WWR Community OfficeLevel 3, 60 Ghuznee St WellingtonCost: $50 per person excl GSTWho: Any social service, community organisation or health practitioner who works with clients or whanau affected by family violence.Included in the training:Understanding DV Act including Protection and Police Safety OrdersDynamics of abusive relationships, cycles of violence, and why leaving is so hardAssessing for riskRecognising and responding to abuse practically and... Read more