A Government commitment to spend $114.5 million on the prevention of family violence has been welcomed by Hawke’s Bay leaders in the sector, who say it’s a positive step towards change.

The investment was announced as part of the Budget 2022, with the money allocated to the four-year roll out of Te Aorerekura – a national strategy aiming to eliminate sexual and family violence.

The money will go towards better primary prevention services and support for community-led responses. 

DOVE Hawke’s Bay general manager, Stewart Eadie, said the increase in funding was well overdue in a sector that has been chronically underfunded, and a positive step towards addressing a significant issue in our communities.

“I am excited about the proposed changes, as the new strategy and associated funding will allow greater flexibility to work with couples and their whanau/families. It also places greater emphasis on early intervention and prevention,” he says.

Family violence is a significant issue causing harm in our homes and communities. To create change, we need a new approach, says Eadie. “This is a community problem; it needs our communities to own it, and together create the solutions that work for them. This funding is a start to achieving this.”

Te Aorerekura is a 25-year strategy that aims to reduce the estimated $6.9 billion cost of family violence to New Zealanders, in addition to the “human suffering that has become embedded in our society”, says Eadie.

The Budget investment includes $37.6 million to strengthen initiatives like the Campaign for Action on Family Violence, E Tū Whānau and Pasefika Proud, while developing three further initiatives for ethnic communities, older people and youth.

A further $38.1 million will be used to expand integrated community-led responses, which recognise the best solutions to complex social challenges come from within communities with the support of Government agencies. Another $8.1 million will be used to address cost pressures in the Health system and allow for more victims to have access to specialist services and support.

There will also be $26.7m across several initiatives to help ensure the people who are working in their communities to prevent family violence and sexual violence have the knowledge, skills, capacity and organisational support they need.

BayBuzz is committed to covering the family violence issue as it affects our region . Here is our recent reporting, Bringing family violence out of the shadows. We will keep in touch with DOVE HB to see how this funding ‘hits the ground’ here in Hawke’s Bay. 

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1 Comment

  1. Long overdue funding and I commend Mr. Eadie for the vital work he and his team of dedicated kaimahi- workers do in our community. I especially liked the flexibility to work with couples and their tamariki – the sooner the better. A change in Family dynamics is essential for any real change for a more harmonious whanau life. This can only be achieved when the WHOLE whanau is supported that is culturally appropriate on a ALL dimensions. The dimension’s of Wairua- Spiritual, Hinengaro- Emotional, Tinana – Physical and of course Family- Whanau. There is much healing, learning, understanding to be accomplished. The learning and practicing ‘New ways of being’ can be achieved. . I have worked for DOVE for almost 3 years and as a social working/ facilitator I know how hard we kaimahi workers work with our whaiora – clients). It has been so heartening to see the progress of many of the whanau that have passed through our doors. Te hei Mauri Ora!

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