A campaign to tackle increased family violence in New Zealand’s Pacific communities during COVID-19, has been launched.
Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu encapsulates eight ethnic-specific Pacific conceptual frameworks which set out the key ideas and principles that promote family wellbeing.
These frameworks are rich with ethnic specific values and concepts on the understanding culture must be the basis for constructing any solution to family violence.
The Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu initiative led by The Cause Collective, will see 1200 family violence workers and community advocates mobilised throughout the country to help Pacific communities prevent violence.
This campaign also includes radio programmes in eight different languages and using online forums to raise awareness about where Pacific families can get help and support during this time for family violence.
Data from the New Zealand Police shows an increase in the number of family violence incidents since the nation went into lockdown in late March.
The Cause Collective Chief Executive Officer Rachel Enosa says Pacific families are particularly vulnerable during this pandemic, with Pacific peoples already being disproportionately represented in intimate partner violence and child abuse statistics.
"The issues are complex because of the possibility of community transmission, the after-effects of the pandemic on the economy and the increased risk factors that will be experienced across the Pacific population,” Rachel says.
A 1200-strong Pacific network made up of family violence practitioners, Pacific providers and community leaders has come together to engage with the community about domestic violence.
This group has been trained over a three-year period using specific cultural frameworks in eight different Pacific languages through the Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu programme.
Funded by the Ministry of Social Development, under the Pasefika Proud initiative, the Nga Vaka o Kāiga programme has produced a wealth of experience, data insights and curriculum to leverage from during COVID-19.
Nga Vaka o Kāiga Cultural Lead Fa’amatuainu Tino Pereira says his team’s role is to advocate on behalf of Pacific families and communities as part of the response and recovery from COVID-19.
"We want to increase Pacific community knowledge and confidence about how to support both victims and perpetrators of violence during the Coronavirus pandemic.
“This means activating community action through the Nga Vaka network of 1200 who have already completed the programme,” Fa’amatuainu adds.
Pacific Family Violence Support Service Providers
Pacific Island Women's Refuge – Ph: 09 634 4662
Mother of Divine Mercy Women's Refuge – Ph: 09 820 0453/022 194 8100; Email: [email protected]
Vaka Tautua - Ph: 0800 825 282
SIAOLA - Ph: 09 6002662; Email: [email protected]
The Fono Health and Social Services – Ph: 021 611 251
Fonua Ola - Ph: 022 043 0811; Email: [email protected]
Toa Pacific - Ph: 09 276 4596
Affirming Works - Ph: 09 276 6538/027 258 6065; Email: [email protected]
Aiga Atia'e Pasefika Family Trust - Ph 09 262 3725; Email: [email protected]
Vaka Pasifika Charitable Trust - Ph: 021 029 00701; Email: [email protected]
Tokoroa Council of Social Services – Ph: 07 886 8277
South Waikato Pacific Islands Community Services – Ph: 07 886 8277
Kainga Pasifika Services - Dove Hawkes Bay - Ph 06 843 5307/0800 368 342;
Email: [email protected]
Taeaomanino Trust Porirua, Kapiti and Hutt Valley – Ph: 0800 345 345
Fale Pasifika O Aoraki Trust - Ashburton, Timaru, Oamaru - Ph: 03 687 7585;
Email: [email protected]
Fale Pasifika O Aoraki Trust - Ashburton, Timaru, Oamaru – Ph: 03 687 7585; Email: [email protected]
Pacific Islands Advisory and Cultural Trust – Invercargill – Ph: 03 214 6089; Email: [email protected]
Helplines:
In an emergency: Dial 111
National Collective of Women’s Refuges – Ph: 0800 733 843
Shine Domestic Abuse Services - Ph 0508 744 633
Safe to talk sexual harm helpline – Ph: 0800 044 334; Txt: 4334; Email: [email protected]
Rape Crisis – Ph: 0800 883 300
Elder Abuse – Ph: 0800 326 6865
Family violence information – Ph: 0800 456 450
Family Services Directory – visit HERE.