Mayoral support for prevention of family violence in the Hutt Valley

The two Hutt Valley Mayors are publicly announcing their commitment to preventing and reducing family violence by becoming patrons of the Hutt Valley Family Violence Network this week.

Upper Hutt City Mayor Wayne Guppy and Hutt City Mayor Ray Wallace were formally announced as patrons of the Network at a multi-agency Governance Group meeting on Wednesday.

Inspector Mike Hill, Upper Hutt Area Commander and relieving Lower Hutt Area Commander says both Mr Guppy and Mr Wallace have shown true leadership in their actions. Both Mayors have extensive community involvement and know full well the negative impacts of family violence.

"Family violence is not just a Police 'problem', it's everyone's problem and I am delighted that the Network has the support and commitment of our local councils, led from the top by both of our Mayors."

Upper Hutt City Mayor Wayne Guppy says this is an issue for everyone in our cities.

"I am delighted to be Patron because I know we can all make a difference. It is not good enough standing by and saying nothing. Our communities will be better places for everyone by taking a stand."

Hutt City Mayor Ray Wallace says he is very happy to put his support behind the family violence network.

“Lower Hutt is a friendly, family-focused city, and I am shocked at the level of reported family violence. My support will include raising awareness of the problem and working with agencies to reduce the level of harm caused by family violence.”

Inspector Hill says, "the Hutt Valley Family Violence Network was established in April 2010, following a community hui where 80 agencies attended. Approximately 45 agencies are now actively involved in the network, collectively working together towards the common goal of a violence free Hutt Valley."

Each month across the Hutt Valley, Police attend around 250 family violence incidents. Nationally around half of all homicides are family violence-related.