Editorial: Everyone deserves a safe Xmas

Rates of domestic violence are high at Christmas.

Read the letter on page 14 today, from the manager of Hastings Women's Refuge, Julie Hart.

It really drives home the fact that, although many of us will be looking forward to a lovely day with family and friends on Friday, there are others who will be dreading the day.

Dreading the minute when their partner picks up that first drink, knowing what's going to happen by the end of the day.

On average police are called to about 200 domestic violence situations a day. I'm pretty sure that escalates at this time of the year.

That's one nearly every six minutes. Think about that, every six minutes someone, somewhere in New Zealand, is being hit by someone who is supposed to love and protect them.

As Julie Hart says, asking people why they don't just leave is putting the blame right back on the victim.

Victims of family violence shouldn't be made to answer questions. The questions need to be asked of the person who is hurting their family.

If you suspect anyone you know of being the victim of family violence, reach out to them. Offer them an ear.

If you know or suspect anyone of hurting their family, reach out to them as well. Try to talk them into getting help to stop being angry.

They are the ones who need to change their behaviour, not the victims.

Everyone deserves a safe place to lay their heads. Children deserve a decent night's sleep without waking to screams and police sirens.

Let's all try to help stop the violence.

-Family Violence Information Line: 0800 456 450.