From abuse victim to child safety campaigner

By MONIQUE DEVEREUX

When Judith Browne was in an abusive relationship, she was too busy surviving from day to day to think about getting help.

She didn't know of any people or agencies that were easily accessible, and she does not recall even thinking about trying to find them.

These days she is busy making sure others in need know exactly what help is available.

The Wanganui grandmother works with women and children who have suffered abuse, and also teaches young girls how to protect themselves from violence.

Her other jobs include being a Barnardos access supervisor, a justice of the peace and a visiting justice working in prisons, and work at the Hawera periodic detention centre.

"It's been an amazing journey," she says. "Back then I really believed that was my lot in life. I didn't know what agencies there were, I didn't have the energy to look for them.

"There is so much more information now. Education and information that make such a difference to people's lives."

And it seems to be working, at least in Wanganui.

In 1988, when Judith Browne started working for Women's Refuge, the shelter was dealing with around 67 families a year. That number has reduced steadily and now the average is 45 a year.

She believes increased awareness of groups such as Women's Refuge, Barnardos, Parentline and other child advocacy agencies have helped bring about the change.

Last month, Women's Refuge chief executive Merepeka Raukawa-Tait said her organisation had been waiting 27 years for Maori men to pledge protection to women and children by banishing violence from the home.

"We are talking about insipid, gutless leadership. This is not about Maori bashing, it is about Maori people bashing their people. We are prejudicing our own future.

"It is shameful brutalising women and children because, while they may have bad health and be living in poverty, nothing excuses beating people who love you, the most vulnerable."

Judith Browne agrees.

"It's true, it is time to front up. For Maori, in particular. This is a lifestyle change that has to be made, and those people have to be aware that their lifestyle is not a good one."

Judith Browne believes attitudes towards domestic violence have changed.

But some people still do not know what the term "domestic violence" covers, and who its victims are.

"It refers to any violence in any domestic situation. Not just women but also children who are abused, siblings, children hitting parents."

Judith Browne says her jobs in the battle against abuse and the promotion of the agencies that can help victims are all rewarding, but the best job is watching her 18-month-old granddaughter, Keratia, grow up.

"No one wants to be the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, but we have to have them. But we can also create a safe environment for our kids, and that's what we're working on."

Herald Online feature: violence at home

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