Taranaki Women’s Refuge is a multi-service agency that supports women and children who have experienced domestic violence.
We can meet with you at our community office, your home or another safe place to discuss your experiences and choices, help you to make safe plans for yourself and your children. Our Refuge workers are experienced and provide confidential, non-judgemental support, whether or not you choose to leave the relationship. We can also help you with Work and Income, Lawyers, Police etc.
One in Three New Zealand women experience domestic violence in their adult lifetime.
Safe House
An ordinary house on an ordinary street.
We provide a safe confidential location for women and children who are affected by family violence. Although we are an independent organisation we are affiliated to a National Organisation of over 40 Refuges and we can help you to relocate to another area if that is the best option for you and your children.
Social Workers
Our Social Workers work with women in the community to provide them with support. We can visit you to discuss safety plans and issues arising after a domestic violence incident and make referrals to services such as counselling, budgeting, support programmes and other services you may require.
Our Social Workers can also support and advocate for you.
Finding a lawyer
Finding and dealing with lawyers can sometimes be very overwhelming. Refuge advocates are experienced in the legal processes that you may have to undergo and can help you find the right lawyer for you and support you when visiting them. If you are concerned about money, you may be able to apply for legal aid, which can help with some or all of the costs involved.
In New Zealand, family violence is covered by the Family Violence Act 2018.
If you are in a domestic relationship and you are experiencing domestic violence you are covered by this Act.
A Domestic Relationship is characterised as one between people who have a domestic or emotional bond – it can be between partners, parents and children, flatmates, brothers and sisters etc
24 hour Crisis Line
We have a 24 hour, 7 day a week crisis line that you can ring if you would like our support. Your call is confidential and if you wish, you can remain anonymous. Our contact numbers are 769-5533 or call free on 0800-827 973.
We are here to help
– We are here to help you understand what you are experiencing and to support you to live a life free from violence and abuse.
– We understand that in most cases you love and care for the person; you want the relationship, you just don’t want the violence.
– If we are not the right place for you we have a list of agencies that we network with that we can refer you to.
