We are a women's organisation for women and their children, here to help prevent and stop family violence in New Zealand. If you are experiencing any form of abuse in your family or your relationship, or know someone who is, there are many ways we can help you - for free, and confidentially. We are an independent, bicultural community organisation and have support services designed especially for children, young people, Maori women, Pasifika women and migrant and refugee women. We also assist lesbian women, older women and women with disabilities. You can contact us at Women's Refuge to get help and advice about talking to friends or family members you worry are being abused emotionally, physically, sexually, spiritually or financially. We also run training programmes for communities and organisations to help educate people about the impact of domestic violence and how to work with women and children who have experienced it.
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Services Offered
Domestic violence - is a major human rights issue across the world, and one of New Zealand's most serious social issues. One in three women in Aotearoa will experience some form of abuse within their relationship, with many more coming dangerously close. Domestic violence is a pervasive, life-threatening crime that impacts on thousands of New Zealanders with serious physical, psychological and economic effects. Crime and injury statistics show how significant a problem domestic violence is in our country. It is one of the leading causes of injury and death to women, and also leads to short and long-term health problems such as mental illness, and problems with sexual and reproductive health. Between 33 to 39% of New Zealand women experience physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime, according to a study by Janet Fanslow and Elizabeth Robinson1.
Implications of Family Violence for Work Place - For many family violence victims, their abusers prevent them from separating home and work life. Eventually, this can cause them to be less productive, miss days at work, and in many cases they have to quit their jobs. In some instances family violence homicides have taken place at work, and many organisations are aware about the significant costs to both the business and the employees of losing staff members as a result of family violence. While there tends to be more awareness about the prevalence of family violence, some organisations believe that their employees are not affected, or that this is a personal matter for home. Family violence is still an extremely prevalent and insidious problem - that transcends age, class, ethnicity, area, and occupations. Having a responsive workplace where family violence can be talked about, and where people being harmed have an opportunity to learn about and recognise signs of unhealthy relationships can prevent further abuse and protect against the loss of productivity and/or added costs involved in on-going harm to employees.
Fees and Payment
This is a registered charity.
Services Offered To: Adults Couples Teens
Payment: Pro-bono
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A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.