KEY POINTS:
Families deemed as being at high risk of domestic violence in South Auckland over Christmas are being sent a police letter encouraging peace in the home during the festive season.
Counties-Manukau police family violence co-ordinator Tim Smith said the holiday period was one of the busiest for officers dealing with family violence. Police in the district attended about 2000 incidents during December and January, ranging from verbal or physical abuse to murder, he said.
Violence often stemmed from issues such as money, visiting relatives, relationship problems, access to children and alcohol. "Sadly the casualties are often the children who are caught up in the violence and, through no fault of their own, end up having a terrible Christmas."
Mr Smith said incidents could be reduced by not only encouraging victims to take a stand by reporting the crime, but also by targeting offenders.
A nationwide campaign had highlighted this strategy using the slogan that "family violence is not okay, but it is okay to ask for help".
"We are definitely seeing more victims reporting violence in the home, but we need to keep this momentum going and would like to see the same increases in offenders seeking help before they use both verbal and physical abuse in the home."
Police were working with other agencies to reduce the violence workload by contacting known at-risk families with the message.
- NZPA
