“They have often fought because there is not enough food in the house or because they have run out of bread, milk or cigarettes.”
Veza said victims come in almost daily during the Christmas and New Year period.
“Mental health and substance abuse is a major cause and driver of violence.”
Quarrels between partners were not the only reason either.
The region’s reputation as a holiday destination means Northland housing became a base for visiting family, Veza said, which “also puts a lot of stress on families, just having to provide for everyone”.
Veza said as the weather warms, alcohol consumption increases, which also contributes to violence.
The Kaitāia office is the first port of call for police in the area.
“We are a small organization covering one of the largest geographical areas in New Zealand,” Veza said.
“We know it’s coming so we’re trying to be prepared.”
Veza felt there was a lack of services for offenders in Northland – particularly in the area of mental health and addictions.
She said the few addiction services lacked resources.
“We have a rehab up here and you can’t even get in there because it’s always full.”
Specialist support for sexual violence and family violence service SOS Kaipara agreed that year-end pressure increased injury incidents.
Service manager Pushpa Joyce said financial stress and strained relationships contributed to increased tension.
An increase in incidents after the holidays is also common, she said.
This may be due to families settling into regular routines, school expenses and accumulated stress from the holiday season.
Joyce said ensuring support for those in need requires people to stand up to harm.
Shine, the provider of home addiction services, is planning for a 30% increase in national demand over Christmas.
More than 160 calls to Shine’s helpline have come from Northland this financial year.
Senior adviser Rachel Kaine said the increasing complexity of people’s lives is a contributing factor to abuse.
“Along with obviously a really big need, so the price of groceries, the employment rate, and at the same time we’re seeing the impact of reduced services.”
Northland’s geographical area also increases the isolation of rural victims.
“Family violence is isolating by nature and Northland is an area of high need, which also limits the options people have to be safer.”
The nearest sanctuary in the region could be three hours away, Kaine said.
Kaine said the strength of victims should be put at the forefront.
“Especially when they come into a period like Christmas, they can expect increased violence.
“Moms will plan for it and kids will try to figure out how to navigate their expectations.”
She strongly urged people to stay close to the victims.
Kaine said it wasn’t up to family, friends or neighbors to fix or resolve the situation, but instead to offer support.
“You might think that leaving (the perpetrator) is the best option or that you can see what’s best for them, but it’s impossible (to understand) from looking in.”
Brodie Stone is one education and general news reporter at Advocate. Brodie has spent most of his life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues of importance to Northerners and beyond.
