Family Violence

Family violence is recognised by Southern DHB as a priority issue. Accordingly a number of policies, procedures and guidelines are in place to help staff identify signs of family violence and to act on that.

As health professionals, our staff are in a unique position to identify abuse early, provide suport and offer referrals in a safe, non-judgemental way within the context of a health assessment. This is why our staff ask many of our patients screening questions about family violence in order to prevent serious harm or death.

Routine routine screening takes place at Southland Hospital, Lakes District Hospital and Southand DHB Mental Health Services for:

All women aged over 16 years
Youth aged 12-15 who present with signs indicative of abuse
Males 16 years and over who present with signs indicative of abuse

The screening questions are part of a Ministry of Health family violence intervention programme being implemented nationwide.

Help is also available from the following agencies:

ORGANISATION:	TELEPHONE:	HOURS:	SUPPORT AVAILABLE:
Police	111	24-hour emergency line
Child, Youth and Family	0508 326 459	24-hour access
It's Not OK	0800 456 450	24-hour access	Website http://areyouok.org.nz/for the national campaign on action on family violence.
Women's Refuge Invercargill	+64 3 218 9790	24-hour crisis line	The Refuge provides accommodation and/or on-going support for women and children who are experiencing family violence, whether the victim is returning home or leaving the relationship.
Women's Refuge Gore	+64 3 208 9333	24-hour crisis line	The Refuge provides accommodation and/or on-going support for women and children who are experiencing family violence, whether the victim is returning home or leaving the relationship.
Male Victims of Violence Southland	+64 3 218 3094	24-hour line	Information for men - (Salvation Army Supported Accommodation).
Invercargill Victim Support	0800 842 846	24-hour line	Provides advice and assistance to victims of crime.
Rape Crisis	+64 3 216 2079	Mon-Friday, 10am-3pm	Provides free and confidential telephone counselling offering support, advocacy and counselling for women who are survivors of past or recent sexual abuse, rape, incest, sexual harassment or sexual assault.
Child Abuse Prevention Services	0800 228 77	24-hour line	Support and advice for those with concerns about child abuse.
Family Start	0800 453 000	24-hour access	For urgent assistance for families with children under 2 years of age.
Family Start	+64 3 214 5300	Business hours	For assistance for families with children under 2 years of age.
Age Concern	+64 3 218 6351	Business hours	Provides a coordinator who is available to listen and discuss problems relating to abuse and neglect. Will work with a resource team to assist victims, caregivers and their families.
Stopping Violence Southland	+64 3 218 4468	Business hours	An education programme offered to men / women who have been in or abusive in their relationships.
Awarua Social Services	+64 3 218 6668	Business hours	An incorporated Maori Health Provider that is community-based providing, health and social services that are conducive to the needs of Maori.
Plunketline	0800 933 922	24-hour line	Support for parents with concerns about their baby/infants.
Barnardos	+64 3 214 7751	Mon-Friday, 9am-2pm	Family information resources helpline.
Invercargill Family Court	+64 3 211 0650	Business hours	Advice on protection orders, guardianship, custody, relationship counseling, dissolution of marriage etc.
Southland Community Law Centre	+64 3 214 3180	Business hours	Provides free legal advice on protection orders, trespass orders, guardianship, custody, dissolution of marriage etc.