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ADELE RYCROFT/Stuff
White Ribbon committee members Anu Sefton, left, Aaron Oliver, Jo Berrington-Hince, Antoinette Stratford, Lisa Palatchie and Teri Ross are encouraging families to give love and receive love going into the holiday period.
An anti-violence organisation is promoting a message of being present with whānau and maintaining positive relationships this festive season.
Stuff spoke to Palmerston North’s organising committee for White Ribbon, the campaign which raises awareness about violence against women, about their messages for the holiday period.
They are promoting the message “aroha mai, aroha atu”, or love received, love returned, by focusing on positive and healthy relationships.
Teri Ross, a Whānau Ora social worker for Best Care Whakapai Hauora, said the Christmas period was when family harm was at its peak and people didn’t realise how prevalent it was.
“A focus for us is this is a time where we have time to stop and take a breath, be together and be present.”
She said one of the biggest factors involved in whānau harm at this time was financial pressure.
Often, school or work was a safe place for people, but being at home during the holidays exposed them to potential harm, and they could feel isolated, she said.
“It’s not about the gifts, it’s how we make people feel that matters. People always remember how we make them feel.”
Palmerston North City Council community development advisor Anu Sefton said the greatest gift people could give was being present, and she encouraged people to be respectful and enjoy time together.
“Everyone has been through a pandemic, we’re coming out the other side, but it’s OK if you don’t feel OK.
“These days, emergencies can have a big effect on someone. It’s about letting people know whatever they feel is valued, they don’t have to feel bad about what they’re feeling.”
They offered tips for enjoying whānau time this Christmas, such as getting creative and connecting with family, or find joy in sharing time together through food, gifts, entertainment or support.
Moving your body, taking time for yourself and taking a break from alcohol were other ideas.
Going for a picnic or doing an activity such as going to the park were other things they suggested to do.
Support agencies available during the holidays include Family Violence Online Help, 1737, Parent Help, Lifeline, Youthline, Alcohol and Drug Helpline, Safe To Talk, Elder Abuse, In Your Hands and OutLine.
The 24-7 Women’s Refuge crisis line is 0800 REFUGE (0800 733843).
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