New steps over family violence get big welcome (NNFVS)

The National Network of Family Violence Services issued the following media release last week. RISE is a member of the National Network and supportive of the following initiative.

A leading NGO in the family violence sector is celebrating the launch of new actions by government.

Family and Sexual Violence Prevention Minister Hon Marama Davidson announced them on Thursday, May 26 at parliament in Wellington.  

They are called the Specialist Family Violence Organisational Standards (SOS) and the Family Violence Entry to Expert Capability Framework (E2E).

The SOS sets out standards needed for organisations delivering specialist family violence services.

It is the first time this has ever been done.

The E2E sets out requirements to operate at entry, enhanced or expert levels that will ensure safety and effectiveness in responding to what is required at each of them.

It will also create a career path for practitioners – another first for the sector.

The aim of both is to enable people who need help to access it more easily, knowing they will be guided by people highly equipped to do so.

The launch is being welcomed by Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga (National Network of Family Violence Services), a leading NGO in the sector.

Te Kupenga CEO Merran Lawler, one of the 20-member panel who produced the frameworks, said it would be exciting to see the changes they would make to those needing help as well as practitioners.

She said the frameworks were equally useful for any frontline worker who may come into contact with someone who used or experiences violence.

Lawler said both documents recognised there were some advanced skills and knowledge required by organisations that were going to work in depth with people who use or experience violence.

“And both documents were developed with an understanding of the importance of recognising and valuing Maori knowledge and expertise.

“Maori values are at the forefront,” she said.

“SOS demands whole sector standards as a baseline of excellence and ensuring a consistency that does not exist at present.

“These standards have never before been brought together in a way that defines what it means to be a specialist organisation and what is required.”

Lawler said the E2E would provide a starting point for a core of knowledge.

“Anyone who works in the sector or interacts with people experiencing family violence must have this core knowledge to do it safely and in an informed way.”

It also recognised a career path within the sector for the first time and could be the catalyst for the development of a future accreditation system, she said.

Te Pukenga Whakarongo Lisa Smith said she was glad the documents showed a shared language and understanding that named the impact of colonisation.

“Kaupapa Maori organisations know this.  It’s lovely to see it acknowledged.”

Helplines

National Network of Family Violence Services – see www.nnsvs.org.nz for help to find a local family violence service.

Shine domestic abuse services (external link) – free call 0508 744 633 (9am to 11pm) for help with domestic abuse or how to help someone else.

Hey Bro helpline (external link) – free call 0800 439 276 for 24/7 help for men who feel they’re going to harm a loved one or whānau member.

Need to Talk? 1737 (external link) – men can free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

Please contact Di Worthy on 027 220 6449 or 027 839 1124, or email kaipapaho@nnsvs.org.nz  for more information or to interview Merran Lawler.