1. Immediate Safety and Emergency Support
Emergency Services
Dial 111 for immediate police, fire, or ambulance assistance if you or someone else is in danger.
Crisis Support Services:
- Shine Helpline: Specialist domestic violence support, available 24/7.
Phone: 0508 744 633
Website: 2shine.org.nz - Women’s Refuge Crisis Line: 24/7 support and safe accommodation for women and children.
Phone: 0800 733 843
Website: womensrefuge.org.nz - Lifeline Aotearoa: Support for anyone in distress or crisis.
Phone: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
Website: lifeline.org.nz
2. Legal Protections and Support for Domestic Violence in New Zealand
Protection Orders
A legal order to help keep you safe from an abusive partner or family member.
Apply through the Family Court or contact a lawyer.
Legal Aid and Support:
- Community Law Centres: Free legal advice for those who cannot afford a lawyer.
Website: communitylaw.org.nz - Family Court Support: The Family Court can assist with protection orders, parenting arrangements, and more.
Website:justice.govt.nz/family - Victim Support: Emotional and practical support for victims of crime, including family violence.
Phone: 0800 842 846
Website: victimsupport.org.nz
3. Counselling and Emotional Support
Counselling Services:
- Shine: Offers confidential counselling for domestic violence survivors.
- Women’s Refuge: Provides counselling and therapeutic support services for women and children.
- Outline NZ: Support for LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing abuse.
Phone: 0800 688 5463
Website: outline.org.nz
Support Groups:
- Local Women’s Centres: Often offer peer support groups and one-on-one counselling.
Look up your nearest centre at womenscentre.org.nz
4. Financial Assistance and Practical Support
Work and Income (WINZ):
- Special Needs Grants: Emergency financial support including relocation costs and daily essentials.
Phone: 0800 559 009
Website:workandincome.govt.nz - Good Shepherd NZ:
Provides financial support, no-interest loans, and budgeting services for women leaving violence.
Website: goodshepherd.org.nz
Employment Rights:
- Victims of domestic violence are entitled to up to 10 days paid domestic violence leave per year.
5. Support for Children
Child Protection Services:
- Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children: Contact if children are at risk.
Phone: 0508 326 459
Website:orangatamariki.govt.nz
Children’s Counselling:
- Kidsline: Free helpline for children aged 5 to 18.
Phone: 0800 543 754
Website: kidsline.org.nz - Barnardos NZ: Counselling, parenting support, and programmes for children affected by family violence.
Website: barnardos.org.nz
6. Multicultural and Māori Support
Culturally Specific Services:
- Shakti NZ: Culturally appropriate support for women from Asian, African, and Middle Eastern backgrounds.
Phone: 0800 742 584
Website: shakti.org.nz
Māori Support Services:
- Te Whare Rokiroki Māori Women’s Refuge: Specialist refuge and support for Māori women and children.
Website: maoriwomensrefuge.org.nz - TOAH-NNEST: Provides culturally aligned services for Māori and Pasifika affected by sexual and family violence.
Website: toah-nnest.org.nz
7. Long-Term Support and Recovery
Housing Assistance:
- Housing New Zealand (Kainga Ora): Help with emergency or transitional housing.
Website:kaingaora.govt.nz
Education and Training:
- Te Pūkenga | NZ Institute of Skills and Technology: Courses and adult education opportunities.
Website: tepukenga.ac.nz - Scholarships for Women: Search studyspy.ac.nz for scholarships available to survivors of domestic violence.
8. Important Contacts and Resources
- Women’s Refuge NZ: womensrefuge.org.nz
- Shine: 2shine.org.nz
- Lifeline NZ: lifeline.org.nz
- Community Law NZ: communitylaw.org.nz
- Victim Support: www.victimsupport.org.nz
