Tauranga Women’s Refuge is constantly busy throughout the year, but the festive holiday season is their busiest stretch.

With few community support services operating during this time, women and children face challenges accessing help when they are in need, Tauranga Women’s Refuge manager Hazel Hape said.

“For survivors of domestic violence, the holiday season can be a particularly hard time due to the lack of access to helping services and support as most of them shut down for the holiday season.

“[But] This is not the case for Tauranga Women’s Refuge,” Hape said.

A 24-hour, seven-days-a-week domestic violence helpline and access to safe housing for immediate and imminent domestic violence safety concerns are available during this time.

Hape said the helpline was a pathway to safety and support services during the holiday season. “At the refuge, people are provided with advice, information and support. The helpline is stationed by experienced and skilled practitioners who are on call over the holiday season.”

She said domestic violence was complex with multiple contributing factors. “Domestic violence is a result of someone making a choice to use violence, abuse and trauma towards another person.

“We’ve been operating a 24/7 domestic violence helpline, safe housing and community support services since 1980 in Tauranga and have supported thousands of women, their children, families, whanau and communities.

“What we know is domestic violence does not discriminate, it is perpetuated across all facets of society: social, cultural, economic and religion here in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty.”

Hape said if you witnessed or heard someone being physically, emotionally or psychologically abused within your own home, family, whanau and community – please offer to provide support, whether personally or by way of contacting support services during the holiday season.

“Domestic violence can be traumatic and confronting for friends, family and community who want to help someone. However, if you suspect someone is experiencing domestic violence, let them know that you know, ask them how you can help and provide them with support services' contact details. Tell them what is happening for them is not okay.”

If you see or hear domestic violence, offer support or phone emergency services for advice and support about safety and support planning.

Steps to take if you need to leave an unsafe situation:

Contact the 24/7 domestic violence 0800 86 7338 helpline for advice, information and support about your safety and support needs.

Secure your legal documents: bank account, driver’s licence, passport, keys.

Leaving can be unsafe for many reasons; your decision is important, so your safety is a priority. There are people in the community willing and ready to support.

Tauranga Women’s Refuge appreciates donations and fundraising support to help keep the doors open so that women and children have a safe place to go. Go to: taurangawomensrefuge.co.nz