KEEPING KIDS SAFE It's not ok for children and young people to witness violence. Research shows that violence in the home affects children whether they see it, hear it or just know about it. Experiencing violence in the home can make it harder for children to leam, to make friends and to be happy and healthy, and the effects of violence can long outlast any visible scars. Chldren need adults to keep them safe and whether we are parents, family members, friends or neighbours we all have a part to play in this. If you are worried about a child experiencing violence in the home, don't ignore it. Even if you are not directly able to stop the violence, there are things you can do to help. The first step is to start the conversation with the adults in the home. Ask 'Are you ok? and let them know you care and are concerned. Perhaps you could help to ease some of the pressure at home by dropping round some food, being available for a cup of tea, or even offering to take the kids for a while. Having a safe and violence free space to go to can make all the difference to a chid. If a child you know tels you there is violence in the home, the most important thing you can do is listen and believe them. Ask if they feel safe and make sure they know that the violence or anger is not their faut, nor is it their responsibility to stop it. Let them know they can always come and talk to you, but do not promise to koep anything they say Quick Tips: How to help. Ask 'Are you ok? IT IS Listen and believe, but don't judge and don't promise to keep secrets Offer a safe place for children to go (with parents knowledge and consent) Make sure children know it's not their fault See if you can offer help to ease the pressure at home TO ASK OKOR HELP Hauraki Family Violence Intervention Network (HFVIN) is a collective of around 100 individuals representing over |0800 456 450 Iwww.areyouok.org.nz 60 organisations from across the Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki Regions. We believe in supporting positive connections between people and strengthening healthy relationships and families. We do this by sharing key VIOLENCE FREE COROM N messages, holding conversations, sharing resources and by providing training. KEEPING KIDS SAFE It's not ok for children and young people to witness violence. Research shows that violence in the home affects children whether they see it, hear it or just know about it. Experiencing violence in the home can make it harder for children to leam, to make friends and to be happy and healthy, and the effects of violence can long outlast any visible scars. Chldren need adults to keep them safe and whether we are parents, family members, friends or neighbours we all have a part to play in this. If you are worried about a child experiencing violence in the home, don't ignore it. Even if you are not directly able to stop the violence, there are things you can do to help. The first step is to start the conversation with the adults in the home. Ask 'Are you ok? and let them know you care and are concerned. Perhaps you could help to ease some of the pressure at home by dropping round some food, being available for a cup of tea, or even offering to take the kids for a while. Having a safe and violence free space to go to can make all the difference to a chid. If a child you know tels you there is violence in the home, the most important thing you can do is listen and believe them. Ask if they feel safe and make sure they know that the violence or anger is not their faut, nor is it their responsibility to stop it. Let them know they can always come and talk to you, but do not promise to koep anything they say Quick Tips: How to help. Ask 'Are you ok? IT IS Listen and believe, but don't judge and don't promise to keep secrets Offer a safe place for children to go (with parents knowledge and consent) Make sure children know it's not their fault See if you can offer help to ease the pressure at home TO ASK OKOR HELP Hauraki Family Violence Intervention Network (HFVIN) is a collective of around 100 individuals representing over |0800 456 450 Iwww.areyouok.org.nz 60 organisations from across the Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki Regions. We believe in supporting positive connections between people and strengthening healthy relationships and families. We do this by sharing key VIOLENCE FREE COROM N messages, holding conversations, sharing resources and by providing training.