Key Takeaways
- Family violence escalates during the holiday season due to financial pressure and other factors
- Auckland’s Shine Refuges is experiencing high demand, with only one of its 10 beds available
- The refuge is forced to pay for women and children to stay in hotels and motels when their beds are full
- Donations are crucial to funding the refuge, and the organization is calling for government funding for more refuge beds
- Family violence is often linked to financial pressures, mental health, and food insecurity
Introduction to the Problem
Presbyterian Support Northern has reported that family violence tends to escalate during the holiday season, particularly when financial pressure mounts. This is evident in the high demand for Auckland’s Shine Refuges, which has only one of its 10 beds available. The refuge is forced to pay for women and children to stay in hotels and motels when their beds are full, highlighting the need for more funding and support.
The Current Situation
According to Grenville Hendricks, social services general manager at Presbyterian Support Northern, the refuge is experiencing a steady increase in demand, which is concerning. The cost-of-living pressures, high unemployment rates, job insecurity, and redundancies have all contributed to the escalation of family violence. Hendricks notes that domestic violence is often linked to financial pressures, mental health, and food insecurity, making it a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach.
Personal Stories of Survival
One woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, has shared her experience of surviving family violence to help with Shine Refuges’ Christmas appeal. Hannah’s story highlights the gradual escalation of violence, from broken furniture to complete control over her life. She recounts how her ex-husband would isolate her from friends and family, and how she had to ask permission to use the toilet. The turning point came when he began strangling her, and she knew she had to escape for the sake of her children.
The Importance of Support Services
Hannah’s story emphasizes the importance of support services like Shine Refuges. The organization provided her with counseling, a bank account, a car, a lawyer, clothing, food, and later housing. The support she received enabled her to get back on her feet and start rebuilding her life. Hendricks notes that donations are crucial to funding the refuge, and the organization is calling for government funding for more refuge beds.
The Need for Government Funding
The lack of government funding for refuge beds is a significant concern. Hendricks notes that policy settings, such as the tightening of access to emergency housing, have impacted people needing their services. The organization is forced to rely on donations to fund their services, which is unsustainable in the long term. The government needs to recognize the importance of providing funding for refuge beds and support services to address the escalating issue of family violence.
Conclusion
The escalation of family violence during the holiday season is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. The high demand for Shine Refuges highlights the need for more funding and support services. Personal stories like Hannah’s emphasize the importance of providing a safe and supportive environment for survivors of family violence. The government needs to take a comprehensive approach to addressing family violence, including providing funding for refuge beds and support services. By working together, we can help reduce the incidence of family violence and provide a safer and more supportive environment for all.