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Live Free from fear

Wednesday 28 July 2010, 3:42PM

By Women's Refuge

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Women's Refuge annual appeal, which runs from 19 - 25 July
Women's Refuge annual appeal, which runs from 19 - 25 July Credit: Women's Refuge
Women's Refuge annual appeal, which runs from 19 - 25 July
Women's Refuge annual appeal, which runs from 19 - 25 July Credit: Women's Refuge
Women's Refuge annual appeal, which runs from 19 - 25 July
Women's Refuge annual appeal, which runs from 19 - 25 July Credit: Women's Refuge

Women's Refuge launches its 2010 Annual Appeal on Monday 19 July in Wellington with the roll out of a new, attention grabbing awareness campaign. We are asking the nation to consider how it must feel for women and their children to live in fear. We invite you to come along and experience 'fear'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7DIgPUsbfM

Chief Executive Heather Henare says, "Once again the team at Saatchi & Saatchi have created a stunning campaign that highlights psychological abuse and the constant fear that women and their children feel when living in these relationships.

People recognise physical abuse because there is something to see. Psychological abuse is far more sinister and far more prevalent. We know that 90% of the women we work with are dealing with psychological abuse. Physical abuse destroys the body, psychological abuse destroys the soul. This year we want to encourage New Zealanders to think about how it feels to be constantly living in fear of your partner. Our new campaign will give them the opportunity to do that".

Denise Reynolds, Kaiwhakahaere, says "Women's Refuge believes that the existence of harmony must be the foundation of every whanau throughout Aotearoa. We say this because we have figures that state otherwise. Last year we had too many wahine and tamariki seek Refuge services. While keeping whanau intact is our goal, the safety of women and their children must be assured so that long term solutions are achieved for everyone."

Ms Henare says "We are the only national domestic violence organisation to offer a 24/7 service. We take 1 crisis call every 9 minutes. Cases are becoming more complex and requiring more intense advocacy which we provide. We are not just a safe house or an ambulance at the bottom of a cliff. Our advocates are experienced, innovative and progressive. While much of our work is unnoticed, Women's Refuge helps thousands of women and children every year."

Times continue to be tough for everyone and our Refuges are really seeing the effects of the recession over the past two years. We need a big community response to a big community issue this year so that we can continue to help women LIVE FREE FROM FEAR."

Singer-songwriter, Anika Moa is showing her support for Women's Refuge 2010 Annual Appeal campaign and performing at the launch.

Women's Refuge is New Zealand's most significant family violence organisation, with a 37 year history of providing comprehensive services for women and children.