Taking a stand against family violence

Champions of Kapiti, from left, Andy Christiansen, Elan Van Mills, Brian Colegate, Mike Tahere, Jess Ward, Debs Phillips, Kaz Deverill.

Seven local champions have volunteered to take a stand against family violence in Kapiti.

The new initiative, from A Safe Kapiti, focuses on supporting those who are experiencing family violence and to also challenge family violence as not ok.

The idea of Champions of Kapiti originated last year after Sofia Robinson from the Its Not Ok Campaign presented to Kapiti Family Violence Response Network ( KFVRN) examples of how other communities throughout New Zealand have been successfully establishing Champion Campaigns.

A key aspect of the Champions Campaign is about everyday local people in the community who are willing to volunteer as a Champion - to be visible and stand up to family violence by helping those who have concerns about family violence and promote the message that family violence is not ok.

"Often a local friendly face can be much easier in the first instance to approach and talk to rather than approaching an agency," campaign spokesman Ross McCracken said.

Since Sofia's presentations collaborative networking between A Safe Kapiti and KFVRN began with regular meetings to plan and develop Champions of Kapiti.

This planning established that the Champions of Kapiti would have three key roles:

To provide a safe listening option for individuals in the community to voice any concerns relating to family violence, personally or within the community.

Connect and refer people to the appropriate services and supports.

Promote awareness to the community that family violence is not ok.

"The decision was also made to initially focus the first launch of the Champions in Paraparaumu to ensure a more concentrated exposure in one area with a view to expanding wider across Kapiti in the future," Mr McCracken said.

"Earlier this year people who were considered to be great candidates as Champions were approached.

"Eventually seven people agreed to volunteer their time to be a Champion of Kapiti."

Those people are Andy Christiansen, Elan Van Mills, Brian Colegate, Mike Tahere, Jess Ward, Debs Phillips and Kaz Deverill.

"They have since had some basic training in the role and have undergone all the necessary police vetting and declarations of being violent free.

"The Champions are now ready and able to offer support to anyone who may have concerns regarding family violence.

"So please have a chat with one of our seven Champions, they are there to help and its ok to as for help.

"Their role however is voluntary and a supportive one, they are not trained professional therapists and are not there to respond to a crisis.

"In an emergency always call 111."

For more information regarding Champions of Kapiti contact A Safe Kapiti 04 297 3142, email info@ask.kiwi or via Facebook or contact the It's Not Ok Campaign help line 0800 456 450 email: areyouok@msd.govt.nz

For additional advice and support concerning family violence contact:

It's Not OK Family Violence Line 0800 456 450

Police Family Violence Co-ordinator family violence matters only Text 0211902492 Phone 042125231 during business hours.

Women's Refuge 04 297 2595

Te Haika (Mental Health) 0800 745 477

Oranga Tamiriki, formally Child, Youth and Families, 0508 326 459

Kapiti Living Without Violence 04 298 1404

A Safe Kapiti 04 297 3142