1. Family violence specialist services

Family violence specialist services

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Overview

The services on this page offer free helplines that provide support, information, and referrals to local services for you or someone you know who is experiencing family violence. Different services are available to meet cultural needs.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call the police on 111

In an emergency, you don’t need permission from the person being hurt to call the police.

If you need to leave this website quickly, use the quick exit button at the bottom of the screen.

You can also find information about family violence specialist services on our help page.

Get help for family violence

Choose the right support service

If you're deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired you can call these services using the NZ Relay service(external link).

Women’s Refuge

Women’s Refuge offer services for women and their children experiencing family violence. They’re available 24/7.

The Women's Refuge Shielded Site at the bottom of this page provides a private portal that has ideas for you to consider if you plan on leaving a relationship. It also provides a safe way to contact Women’s Refuge through live chat.

Women’s Refuge website(external link)

Freephone 0800 733 843(external link)

Family Violence Info Line (Are you OK)

The Family Violence Info Line is better known as Are you OK. Their website has a list of family violence services and how to contact them. They offer support 7 days a week from 9am – 11pm. You can also download their Bright Sky app to find support and information.

Family Violence Info Line (Are you OK(external link))

Freephone 0800 456 450(external link)

Download the Bright Sky app https://www.areyouok.org.nz/support-available/bright-sky/(external link)

Shine

Shine offers 24/7 support:

  • to anyone experiencing family violence
  • to anyone worried about their own harmful behaviour
  • if you’re worried about someone else.

Their website offers an online chat function and information about planning for safety and wellbeing.

Shine website(external link)

Freephone 0508 744 633(external link)

Other services that can help

Safe to talk — sexual harm helpline

Safe to talk provide confidential support from trained specialists to anyone who has experienced sexual harm. If you’re unsure whether you have experienced sexual harm, you can talk to them about it. They’re available 24/7.

Their website also offers an online chat function.

Safe to talk website(external link)

Freephone 0800 044 334(external link)

Text 4334(external link)

New Zealand Police

The Police are available 24/7 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger. In an emergency, you don’t need permission from the person being harmed to call the Police.

Freephone 111(external link)

If you’re deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired you can use 111 TXT to contact the Police in an emergency.

111 TXT for hearing and speech difficulties — New Zealand Police(external link)

For non-urgent enquiries

The Police are also available for non-urgent enquiries. Concerned partners or whānau members can ask the Police if a person has a history of family violence. This information is available through the Family Violence Information Disclosure Scheme.

Freephone 105(external link)

Family Violence Information Disclosure Scheme(external link)

Victims Assistance Scheme

The Victims Assistance Scheme is for victims of a very serious violent, sexual, or fatal crime. Under this scheme, you may be able to have some of your costs covered that relate to the crime, the justice process, and your recovery.

Victims Assistance Scheme website(external link)

Get legal advice and help

It may be helpful to talk to a lawyer when you’re applying for a Protection Order or a Parenting Order. A lawyer can help you apply for court orders and they may also represent you in court.

Get legal advice and help