Family violence does not discriminate. Whilst wāhine are more likely to be hurt by those they love in the context of Intimate Partner Violence, men can also be harmed. We often do not have the same level of support for our non-female primary victims, such as accessible services, safe housing etc.
I wanted to share with you one story of support for a primary victim from the incredible Kerryn Thrupp and her equally incredible team at Woven Earth which filled my cup:
We were referred a young man who had been so badly abused that he sustained both long-term physical and psychological injuries. The strain on his family to set him up in a safe home, after everything he owned was destroyed by his ex-partner, was monumental. When we said we could help, we started, as always, with the important questions: "Who is this young man and what has he lost on this horrific journey that would be meaningful to have replaced?"
We discovered he loved fishing and riding his beloved bike, which he was devastated to lose. We put out a call and got him fishing rods, a wonderful fishing poster, and, with regular donation money, we bought him a brand-new bike and helmet. We set up his home with everything he needed to begin again.
The best part of this story is the ripple effect of support for his extended family and the agencies involved in his care. They no longer have to worry about providing the necessary material possessions and can now focus on supporting him in his recovery. Woven Earth has such an immediate impact - one you can see and feel.
Thank you, Woven Earth, and thank you to everyone who gets up every day, goes to work and makes a difference to whānau experiencing family violence.
You can find more information about Woven Earth on their website here.
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