Police deliver peace message

BY HANNAH NORTON

Some Manukau families have received a Christmas card with a twist this year - letters urging them to prevent family violence over the silly season.

The letters offer tips to avoid violence and have been hand-delivered by police to "high-risk" families.

"These are families police are currently working with or have worked with in the past regarding family violence," says central area family violence co-ordinator sergeant Dave Norman.

The letters are being followed up by face-to-face visits by police and an information pack including toys for children, he says.

"We are promoting domestic awareness and showing people that there is help."

The Christmas letter initiative is now in its fourth year and is making a significant difference to repeat offenders, he says.

"My observation is that the families we visit do not come up on our radar for family violence during the Christmas period."

And the families receive it positively, he says.

"It's a bit of a surprise for many of them - a positive interaction with police."

Mr Norman is urging people to have a safe and happy Christmas.

"Don't allow the stress of Christmas to get on top of you and remember it's okay to ask for help."

Crime services manager detective inspector John Tims says Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for police dealing with family violence.

"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."

Encouraging victims to seek help and offenders to change their violent behaviour can reduce family violence, he says.

"We're seeing more victims reporting family violence but we need to keep this momentum going.

"We would like to see the same increase in offenders seeking help to stop verbally and physically abusing others in their families."

Family violence incidents can range from verbal abuse to serious physical assaults and even death.

"There are pressures on people at this time of year," Mr Tims says.

"Violence often stems from issues such as money, visiting relatives, relationship problems, access to children and other pressures associated with Christmas.

"Alcohol also plays a significant role in the escalation of violence in the home.

"There are, however, no excuses for violence."

Contacting known at-risk families with a Christmas message encouraging peace in the home is one of the strategies, he says.

"We are encouraging both victims and offenders of family violence and letting them know it is okay to ask for help and that they will be listened to."

Be safe at home

Counties Manukau police tips for a calm and happy holiday season:

•  Set aside money to cover the bills in January and February and don't spend more on Christmas than you can afford
•  Moderate alcohol consumption and don't drink and drive
•  Organise child custody arrangements before Christmas
•  Remember problems can be solved without arguments and if you are heated or stressed take time out
•  If you have any fears for your own or your children's safety, contact the police immediately

Important phone numbers:

Police - 111

Family Violence, It's not OK - 0800-456-450

South Auckland Family Violence Prevention Network - 278-9266

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