To help prevent and stop family violence is the objective of Women's Refuge.
Megan Grace and Nonga Staples work for Women's Refuge Auckland. Grace says, “There is a way out of domestic violence against women and children.”
20,000 women and children receive assistance from Women's Refuge every year.
Staples says, “Most women come in with absolutely nothing apart from the clothes they wear.”
Christmas and New Year’s is the toughest period with over 2,000 women and children seeking help.
Grace adds, “This time of the year is very stressful with money problems, people struggling to pay the bills because of domestic violence.”
There are 37 Women's Refuge shelters in NZ.
If you or someone you know needs help you can visit the Women's Refuge Website for more information.