a collection of NZ's biggest fashion designers have come together to help raise funds for a charity which works with the families and victims of domestic violence

COMMENT: Without any explanation, a decision was made to withdraw a murder charge that shocked and appalled many.The public has not yet been told why.

A woman who was physically and psychologically abused by her partner has a new lease of life after she left the relationship.

COMMENT: So where was Moko's dad? We have no idea. We have no idea because the question was never asked. It never is.

As part of the Herald's We're Better Than This campaign, focusing on family violence, we speak to a man whose partner left him after suffering 20 years of abuse.

COMMENT: The torturing and killing of poor little Moko has saddened and angered New Zealanders to a degree that I lack the words to explain.

At the same time in Britain, it must be noted, the violent chastisement of women and children was commonplace, in the law and in everyday life.

COMMENT: We can't let Moko Rangitoheriri's death be forgotten - or be a vengeful mob storming the Taupo police cells to lynch Moko's evil killers.

"I will be there and I will march, but I don't care if it is just me and my family - we are still going to do it."

Kiwis across the country are banding together to march against child abuse tomorrow.

People who were raised in homes where violence was the norm, where being terrified of their fathers, mothers and other adults was part of daily life, speak out.

COMMENT: Maoris are more in need of learning parenting skills than are non-Maoris and that applies to a lot of Pacific Island parents too.

As part of the Herald's family violence series a number of high profile Kiwis have shared personal written messages.

"It has been 10 years of sharing my life with an abusive partner. Today I'm conscious of this, that I am a victim of family violence."

"I will leave him" - these are the words of a woman who has been living in fear. But this week, she decided she had had enough.

Jeremy Eparaima punched, kicked, bashed, choked and bullied his way through a marriage and two relationships - now he's speaking out in a bid to reach other men.

COMMENT: Family violence is not just a male problem. If we as a nation are really serious about reducing family violence, we need to talk about family violence in all its forms and all its causes, writes Bob McCoskrie

WATCH: Five years ago Emily Longley was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. Her father Mark talks about the terrible toll of losing his daughter.

Helen Meads was shot dead just days after leaving a violent relationship. Since then, her father has crusaded against family violence in a bid to save others' lives.

Under reforms battered women who kill their abusers would be able to claim self-defence even if the threat of violence was not imminent.

Family violence victim: At the start he smothered me with love - he was so loving but if I went against his word I was hit by a torrent of abuse.

We asked readers to share their stories for our family violence series. This is what they told us.

Family violence never sleeps or takes a break and those on the front line know that better than anyone.

A ground-level insight into what's happening behind closed doors of far too many New Zealand homes.

Former abuser is now committed to helping other men change their behaviour.

"Sick and tired" of seeing stories about men abusing women and children, Harry Haira decided to do his bit to help solve the issue.

COMMENT: Why do men who kill their wives or partners receive such short jail sentences?

Jeremy Eparaima punched, kicked, bashed, choked and bullied his way through a marriage and two relationships - now he's speaking out in a bid to reach other men.

He knows first hand about perpetrators because he was one - but for the past 10 years Aaron Steedman has been committed to helping other men change their behaviour.