Safe Man Safe Family - changing the way NZ tackles domestic violence

Susan from Waiheke Island

NZ has the worst statistics in the OECD for domestic violence. But we're working to change that.
Safe Man Safe Family (SMSF) is a volunteer-led charitable trust based in Mangere, doing innovative and effective peer-led work tackling domestic violence across the wider Auckland region and beyond.
SMSF was founded 10 years ago by Vic Tamati (face of the It’s Not OK campaign and himself an ex-victim and ex-perpetrator of violence), to create a more effective stopping violence programme. In January he was recognised in the NZ Honours list for his work.
We are applying for an organisational grant, as unfortunately it is very difficult to obtain public funds for our work – domestic violence prevention is not a very 'cool' charity! And government funding is slow, if it comes at all. Late last year there was an outcry against violence against women, after the murder of young Grace Millane. Yet around 9 other NZ women also die every year at the hands of their partners, or ex partners.
Please consider supporting our application to help us address this issue.
We aim to reduce the legacy of intergenerational violence, while promoting public discussion, to increase community understanding about its far-reaching personal and economic (estimated $4-7 billion per annum) effects.
We work to build stronger, safer families, and give people the tools to change their behaviour.
The SMSF programme uniquely targets those who resort to violence (most of whom are ex victims) to work with reformed peers. For these men, working with others who have “walked in their shoes”, is often the only thing that breaks through the violence cycle. Recent research also supports this, showing that mentor contact is often the turning point that incites change.
Our vision is that our programmes will eventually be offered nationwide to create more secure, stable and supported communities. Where everyone can be safe.

An AMI grant will help us take the next step in providing a professionally evaluated programme later this year in South Auckland, to help us eventually roll it out across NZ in all the communities who need it.

For more information, please see www.facebook.com... and givealittle.co.nz...