Editorial: Stand against family violence

People need to stop turning a blind eye to domestic violence.

It was interesting to read the responses in our Street View section today (p9) about what needs to be done to stop family violence.

Often, when you ask people walking down the street what needs to be done about a big, difficult issue, the finger is pointed at the Government, the council, the police, government agencies, schools - people in authority who need to do something.

Not so today. While government agencies and authorities undoubtedly have a role to play, most said the buck with family violence stopped with families and communities. That they needed to stop "turning a blind eye".

While far from a scientific survey, it reflects a common opinion from experts and lay people alike that family violence can only be stopped by people stepping in and speaking up.

Today's question was prompted by the release of a new government discussion paper on domestic violence.

But purely by coincidence, we also have a story today about a community gathering in Koutu this Saturday night - the Te Koutu My Kainga Candlelight Remembrance Evening. This is the perfect example of a community taking responsibility for itself and saying it is not going to turn a blind eye to violence.

Sadly, Nia Glassie's name will forever be remembered for the horrific way in which she died. Nia lived and died in Koutu - a suburb that, like others in Rotorua, carries a negative stigma despite the many good people living there and good things happening on its streets. Saturday's event could go a long way to changing that perception. And perhaps even save other innocent lives.