Sports stars back anti-violence push

Richard Kahui is one of many sports personalities urging victims to 'Blow the Whistle' on domestic violence. File photo / Sarah Ivey

A team of sports stars are urging people to "Blow the Whistle" on family violence.

And with the Rugby World Cup only months away, there are fears an All Black defeat - or even a victory - could lead to more domestic violence in New Zealand.

Sports personalities Ruben Wiki, Josh Kronfeld, Paul Henare, Richard Kahui, Liam Messam, Jenny May Coffin, Peter McGlashan and Melodie Robinson have joined a campaign to encourage victims to speak up.

The "Blow the Whistle 2011" campaign will run nationwide in August and September and aims to unite communities and send the message that family violence - which costs the country an estimated $8 billion each year - is unacceptable.

Just 15 per cent of all family violence is reported, according to police estimates.

The All Blacks' shock loss to France in the 2007 tournament led to a spike in domestic violence in New Zealand. But researchers are split as to whether winning or losing fuels family violence more. Victory may raise levels of self-confidence or assertiveness, therefore possibly violence, as much as a loss would put someone in a foul mood.

Campaign leader Jessica Trask said the main goal was to increase the number of family violence incidents reported to the police, so that anyone experiencing violence could get help.

"While we are hoping that families and communities will have an enjoyable, safe time celebrating through the tournament, we want to ensure that anyone experiencing violence has access to information and the support they need."

Peter McGlashan, a former Black Cap and campaign co-leader, said sport was an important focus of the campaign with 30 community networks hosting a number of events to raise awareness.

"A lot of these small networks would never have the chance to work with these high profile athletes. By offering these resources centrally, we've been able to offer them a campaign they wouldn't necessarily be able to run themselves."

Police estimate half of all violent crime in New Zealand is family violence.

Abused or neglected children are at least 25 per cent more likely to experience problems such as teen pregnancy, drug use and low academic achievement. Police attend a family violence call-out every five minutes on average.

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