The Times is partnering with our local police to give them a platform to share important messages with our readers around crime-prevention and community safety. Below is the latest column from Sergeant Brett Meale of Howick Police.
I’m often asked for advice in relation to family harm incidents involving violence.
Usually, the person asking for the advice is not the victim of the violence, but a concerned friend, family member or associate.
People in violent relationships often struggle to seek help themselves, and therefore need the support of others to report the violence and seek help.
The law states that “family violence” can be physical, sexual, or psychological abuse.
Ignoring family violence can result in serious injury or death.
Nearly half of all homicides in New Zealand are related to family violence.
In the Counties Manukau East area, our staff attend an average of 100 family harm incidents or offences a week.
Police attending family harm incidents can issue a Police Safety Order (PSO) if they have reasonable grounds to believe family violence has happened or may happen.
They do not need the consent of the person at risk and the PSO can last for up to 10 days.
The person bound by the order must leave the address while the PSO is in force and cannot contact the protected person during that time.
Protection Orders are another important piece of the Family Violence Act 2018 and provide longer term protection from family violence.
They have standard conditions whereby the respondent must not physically, psychologically or sexually abuse or threaten the applicant or their children.
They must not damage or threaten to damage the applicant’s property, and includes conditions relating to not contacting, following or going on to places where the protected person is.
There are organisations that can support you in obtaining a Protection Order, including the Family Court, Women’s Refuge, Victim Support, and your lawyer.
If you’re a victim of family violence or in a relationship making you fearful about your own or anyone else’s safety, seek help as soon as possible.
If you’re a friend or family member of a victim of family violence, you can help by listening, providing support and assisting them to seek out the help available in the community.
Most importantly though, if you’re in immediate danger, call 111.
