Time to move beyond chest beating

The Families Commission says it is time New Zealanders moved beyond beating their chests over individual acts of violence within families and took action to put an end to this country's culture of violence.

The Chief Commissioner of the Families Commission, Rajen Prasad, says fundamental changes are needed if we are to stop our loved ones from being victims of violence. Each one of us has a critical role to play to address family violence over the next few years.

The Commission is contributing $3m to the $14m national campaign to change the way New Zealanders think and act about family violence. The campaign will be officially launched on 4 September and involves individuals, organisations, agencies and communities around New Zealand working together to raise awareness and prevent family violence.

"The campaign includes mass media messages that provide a rallying focus but it will take much more than a few minutes of television time to change attitudes to violence in New Zealand. We are calling on people and organisations that can influence others in their community to step forward and speak out against family violence.

Already as part of the campaign, 33 different groups around the country have been funded to run activities in their communities.

An 0800 number and website will provide information and direct people to relevant agencies. Advertising will also be used to draw attention to the campaign and the need for change.

"This campaign will help people to say absolutely clearly that family violence is not acceptable. It will provide information so that we all know what we can do to help ourselves, and how to encourage others to change," he said.

"We all have to take responsibility for changing our culture. It is not OK to look the other way and say it is not our problem. If someone you know may be experiencing family violence, then you have to act. Offer to help, talk about the problem but if you feel the person is in any danger call the police."