Women's Refuge provides free confidential services to women experiencing domestic abuse. This includes:
- 24 Hour crises line, 0800 REFUGE
- Home and community visits
- Support in isolated regions
- 24/7 access to our safe houses
- Advocacy when dealing with police, legal, court, WINZ, housing, doctors, schools and Oranga Tamariki
- Referrals to counsellors, doctors, lawyers and other support services
- Education and support groups for women and children about living free from violence
- The Whanau Project
The Whānau Protect
A six-month service that includes a monitored safety alarm and a home safety improvement. When the alarm is triggered, the police are notified and the unit activates an audio recording. The recording may be used by police for the purpose of investigation and prosecution against the perpetrator.
The home safety improvement involves a safety assessment of the property to identify areas of weak security that the perpetrator may use to quickly gain entry to the property. The security of these areas is then improved by a Whānau Protect contractor and a safe room is established. This room is intended as a place for the victim to shelter while waiting for the police to arrive in the event the offender attempts to gain entry to the property.
If you have any questions or queries, send email them at: whanauprotect@refuge.org.nz