‘Waitematä Police are urging the wider community to get through Christmas safely, to be caring, to be happy, and above all avoid any situation that has the potential to escalate into violence or acts of physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual abuse.’

Senior Sergeant Dave Ryan the District Family Violence co-ordinator, says with the Christmas festive season already upon us, the incidents of family violence increase dramatically. Often there is reluctance by persons to contact police through fear of reprisal, or other related reason.

“Individuals should never hesitate to call the Police for any reason of safety or concern.”

“Christmas is an extremely emotional time of the year. It is an expensive time for many families. The impact of these costs is sometimes psychological. More often it becomes a time for immense fear, when it should be a time for happiness and cheer,” he said.

‘Christmas is the busiest period for agencies dealing with the casualties of domestic violence and children are the biggest victims. Often it is the children who don’t understand what has happened, why it happens, and how to prevent it happening.’

‘Family violence is often escalated by arguments over money, relationships, and access to children, visiting relatives, plus a variety of other domestic causes and issues. Some arguments disintegrate into violence causing injury to victims, with distress and real confusion to children.

Between December and January police throughout New Zealand can expect to attend at about 11,000 incidents involving family violence.  These incidents are not all restricted to partner and male-female abuse.  It can be financial abuse, neglect and physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse.

Loneliness can prompt women who have experienced family violence to be drawn back. Women should plan where they are going to spend Christmas so that they do not give further consideration to returning to dangerous situations and circumstances.

‘Police have released practical suggestions to assist the community have an enjoyable, calm, happy and safe Festive Season, over the duration of Xmas and New Year.’ They are.

• Set aside money to cover bills in January and February.

• Don’t spend more on Christmas than you can afford. Christmas is about spending more time together as a family, not just about buying expensive gifts.

• Moderate your own drinking – you don’t need to drink to excess to enjoy life.

• Don’t drink and drive – You will be caught. Arrange for reliable transport to get you home, prior to going out. Seek to protect your friends and family too if they’ve been drinking socially at work functions, or special Christmas gatherings.

• If your situation has become tense, heated or stressful – take time out. Go somewhere quiet for a few hours to let any feelings and emotions calm down.

• If you are feeling afraid, vulnerable, overwhelmed, talk to someone you trust.

• Don’t sweat the small stuff – minor problems can be resolved without arguments.

• If you share joint custody of children – come to an agreement before Christmas, so that all the children get to spend time with each of you.

• Most importantly – if you have any fears for your own or your children’s safety, contact the Police immediately. Police adopt a zero tolerance policy to family violence and arrest is a real possibility.

Senior Sergeant Ryan says the dynamics associated with family violence are complex, and permanent changes take a long term commitment. Police don’t expect to eliminate every situation with these suggestions. Our hope is that they help to make this Christmas – New Year a much safer one for everyone in our community.

‘Anyone who needs assistance due to issues arising from family violence can call the Police Family Violence Unit. Use the triple one emergency call line [111] immediately.’

“These experienced Police Officers are specialists in their field and they are stationed in Rodney, Waitakere, and the North Shore Policing Centre,” Senior Sergeant Ryan said.

Dave Ryan – Senior Sergeant

District Family Violence Co-Coordinator

North Shore/Waitakere/Rodney Police

Mobile 0274 – 965 406