When the lockdown was announced we immediately knew that this would effect children, shared parenting arrangements and increase the rate of domestic violence.
A stuff article, published today, has stated that domestic violence has increased in Canterbury by 20% already. This means that nearly one incident of family harm is reported in Canterbury every half hour. This is a staggering statistic.
It is vital that people know during this time that the police can still be called if the matter is urgent.
Urgent protection orders can be applied for and if you have any queries or would like advice around this issue the Relationships team at Cavell Leitch is here to help. We are all working remotely and are available to prepare applications on an urgent basis, keeping our clients safe from any ongoing harm.
You can contact our Relationships Team or family law expert Amanda Fitzgibbon if you need any legal advice and below we have listed some other helpful contact numbers :
WHERE TO GET HELP
Lifeline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 354
Depression Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 111 757
Healthline (open 24/7) - 0800 611 116
Youthline (open 24/7) - 0800 376 633. You can also text 234 for free between 8am and midnight, or email talk@youthline.co.nz
Kidsline (open 24/7) - 0800 543 754. This service is for children aged 5 to 18. Those who ring between 4pm and 9pm on weekdays will speak to a Kidsline buddy. These are specially trained teenage telephone counsellors.
Alcohol Drug Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 787 797. You can also text 8691 for free.
WHERE TO GET HELP - SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Rape Crisis - 0800 88 33 00 (24hr service), click link for information on local helplines
Victim Support - 0800 842 846 (24hr service)
Women's Refuge (Females only) - crisis line available on 0800 733 843
Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trust (Males only), Helplines across NZ, click to find out more