Waikato Women's Refuge -Te Whakaruruhau

About

Waikato Women's Refuge - Te Whakaruruhau is an organisation formed to assist and respond to the needs of Whanau who are affected by violence.

Story

Te Whakaruruhau Maori Women’s Refuge first opened in 1986 through the efforts of a group of local Maori women, to save lives and reduce the harm caused by domestic violence.

In those early years, the service provided a 24 hour crisis response team and safe housing. Te Whakakruruhau safe housing has grown from a one bedroom flat into four safe houses across Hamilton City.

In 30 years our service has transformed into one which involves the whole family. We believe that working with the whole family is a way of creating long-term change with domestic violence. This is why, where possible, we work with men who are committed to change as well as your extended family if you want us to.

The vision of Te Whakaruruhau was first created and has been vigoursly maintained by two strong, passionate and committed Maori women - Ariana Simpson and Ruahine Albert. These two women have worked tirelessly over the years to bring about an awareness of the issues for Maori Women living with violence. They have fought hard to provide a local and national response to domestic violence in Maori whanau. They continue to challenge a system that refuses to hold perpetrators accountable for their behaviours and abusive actions towards their families.

Ruahine and Ariana along with many others have been relentless in their efforts to transform New Zealand's legal and social systems to respond proactively to victims of domestic violence.

Crisis Response

We have a 24/7 crisis service, and at your call our experienced staff will come and see you where and when you need them. They will work with you to decide what support you need, from advice through to full residential care in one of our safe houses. Our services are personalised to fit your needs, because only you know what will work best for you and your children.

Community Outreach

Our community team will visit you in your home or any other place you choose, and help you with any problems you have. They will give you support and be your advocate in your contacts with agencies such as Work and Income, Housing New Zealand or Child, Youth and Family; ensure you get any medical care you or your children need; stay with you if you visit a lawyer; help you get food, clothing or furniture for your family; help you leave town or simply provide you with some advice about what to do next.

Residential Services

If you have to leave your home, we have safe houses where you can be sure you and your children can stay with complete security. We have skilled and qualified staff who provide a non-judgemental, caring and supportive enviroment. You may be with us only one or two nights until your family can help you, or you may be with us longer-term until you feel you can cope on your own. While you are staying with us, there are a range of educational programmes you can undertake to help you and your children get back on your feet. Your children are also taken care of; they can go to school or attend early childhood education

We offer:

• A purpose built Crisis facility with two safe houses catering to high risk families who need additional safety, care and protection. This facility has 24/7 staffing who will support you and your family through this very traumatic time in your life.

• A general safe house for whanau who are low to medium risk but require support and advocacy to negotiate with social service agencies, partners and whanau.

• A transition house for whanau waiting to reintegrate back into the community or whanau needing respite.



Remember:

- Family Violence can occur in any home regardless of culture, ethnicity and origin.

- That violence in any shape or form is totally unacceptable.
If you need information on becoming aware of your rights.

You can help your local Refuge by:

- Donating goods or funds

- Making the service we offer known

Mission

"Rapua he huarahi pai mo nga wahine me nga tamariki I tenei ao"

"Provide pathways that contribute to Whanau Ora"

"Your wellbeing and the safety of your children is our number one priority. We believe that everyone deserves a life free from domestic violence and it is our job to help you protect what you value most.We are not here to judge.Our skilled and caring team is on hand 24/7 to provide you and your family with the systems, tools and support you need to live a life that is both safe and violence-free. When you need to find the courage, strength and guidance to leave an abusive relationship we are here to help. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Take a step toward a better, safer life for you and your children."