A new safe haven for survivors of domestic violence

A New Safe Haven For Survivors Of Domestic Violence

Project 2020-07-25 13:04:03 +1200

Aotearoa has one of the worst rates of domestic violence in the developed world. One in three women will experience physical or sexual assault from a partner in their lifetime. This is not acceptable.  

As well as a safe space to stay, we hope to provide a place to heal through trauma and break the cycle of domestic violence for the families that come through our doors. 

With lots of space for each family unit, nature on the backdoor, therapeutic services and activities, and no time limits to stays, we have the opportunity to create a truly restorative and empowering haven. 

How it will work

The current model in New Zealand means, generally speaking, each family unit shares one room in a safe house, which could mean there is up to six people living in a room, and sharing a bathroom and kitchen with the other residents.

In our safe haven, we will be able to offer each family unit their own bathroom, lounge and two bedrooms — one room for mum and one room for the kids, giving mum space and time to heal, rest and recover. 

There will be three women at any given time, plus her children, and they will stay in our care for as long as needed. For us to really focus on establishing them safely in the community, no time limits would be allocated for them in our safe haven. We will, however, actively work on reestablishment and review periods to ensure the people with us can move forward when they are ready.

Amazing organisations and individuals have already put their hands up to help us by offering incredible services including art therapy, yoga, meditation, mindfulness, hairdressing and osteopath visits. We are continuing to get more therapeutic courses on-board, to offer a full wraparound healing experience.  

The house has land and gardens, providing a restorative space for our families to be in nature, garden and play outside.

The team are proud to say that the house is accessible, meaning that this is a welcoming environment for all. “As a mum of two and wheelchair user that has seen dark days and now has a beautiful, safe, accessible home, I have had a dream for years of an accessible safe place.” Says Rachel, a pledger on the campaign and Community Manager at YES Disability Resource Centre. “Disabled women, especially if they’re young are in danger. This refuge is amazing, thank you for your work”. 

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"This sounds like a lighthouse in the storm that is domestic violence. 

I really hope you get the support you need to make this a reality because it would be incredible for so many, including me and my kids when we went through it many years ago. Even the language you use, a safe haven, sounds beautiful. Best of luck."
— Ann

There are a number of refuges and safe houses around Aotearoa who are working so hard on this every single day. It is a sad reality that we still need more places of refuge due to domestic violence. But it is the reality.  As a nation we absolutely need more safe places for survivors of domestic violence to go to and stay, so that they feel confident that they can leave, and have the space and support to heal once they do.

I Got Your Back Pack (IGYBP)

I Got Your Back Pack has been providing care packs to survivors of domestic violence across New Zealand for five years.  Each year, IGYBP is providing more and more packs to refuges across the country, with over 2600 packs in 2019, and already 3000 packs in 2020. We understand the need and the impact of thoughtful touches when survivors have left their homes and are starting anew.  

We believe we have the passion and capability to create a new and unique model to healing through trauma. We are passionate about continuing to collaborate with other amazing organisations in this work and providing our care packs across the country, including to our own safe home.  

For more information on our organisation, please view our website or email us: [email protected] 

Where will the money go? 

The money we are raising will go directly to the ongoing costs of running our safe haven including paying ongoing bills and providing staff at house. Please note these are estimated costs.  

Estimated weekly costs

We have set a total goal of $50,000 to begin this project with confidence to provide stability and time to put in place regular funding cycles. We have just over half of this raised thanks to the generosity of donations, mentioned below. $15,000 is the minimum that we need to complete our goal, and for anything raised above and beyond that will mean another night, week or month that we can provide refuge for our families. 

Thank you to our supporters 

Thank you to all of the incredible organisations and individuals who have put their hand up to help us offer some incredible courses free in the safe house, which include; art therapy, yoga, meditation, mindfulness, osteopathy, equine therapy, hairdressing, massage and cleaning.

I Got Your Back Pack has been offered by Te Whānau Rangimārie (a privately run Auckland safe house) policy and procedure support moving forward, stating our idea of a physical and emotional wrap around service for domestic violence would make a huge impact. We are so grateful for their support. 

Bunnings have generously financially contributed to this project, putting us well on the way to achieving our goal. This support from NZ business means a lot to us.  

Reward partners - thank you to all of the organisations who have generously gifted the amazing rewards that we can offer for pledges. 

Our team 

We really do have a community behind us at I Got Your Back Pack, for which we are so grateful. The team that are currently working on the set up of this safe haven are: 

Anita 

Anita is the Heart of I Got Your Back Pack and the reason we exist. Responsible for our vision, operational activities and new initiatives. Her role includes liaison with the refuges, packing, distribution, social media and relationships. 

Liane 

Liane helps keep us organised and held accountable. Responsible for the accounts and meeting the Charities Register reporting requirements. Liane also assists with packing, distribution and helps with fundraisers as needed.

Laura 

Laura is one of the trustees of I Got Your Back Pack and is helping out with fundraising, events, partnerships and marketing. Laura is passionate about the work Anita and the team do, and excited to see the next stage of this journey, supporting New Zealanders to rest, recover and heal. 

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