About Us
Established in 2008, Taranaki Safe Families Trust is a collaborative of government and non-government agencies leading the family violence prevention campaign in Taranaki. We aim to promote awareness, encourage the utilisation of local services and advocate for long term cultural change in our community.
TSFT has established project groups which contribute to the campaign including family violence workplace training, professional development and an extreme risk case management process.
Key Initiatives
Community Collaboration
Events
The Employers Initiative
The Employers Initiative provides family violence training and education to workplaces and organisations within the Taranaki community. The material presented is designed to inform staff within the organisation, identify signs that a staff member may be experiencing domestic violence, and how to respond and support them with this. Presentations can be modified to suit a specific work place.
The Men’s Initiative
The Men’s Initiative is a new project which supports boys and men to live respectful, accountable and fulfilling lives, where they are able to develop loving relationships free from violence and contribute to safe and equal communities. The group is made up of men from different experiences and backgrounds who want to address cultural norms about what it is to be a man in today’s society. The goal is to break down some of those old stereotypes and open up opportunities for men to start having healthy conversations and to be aware of support services that are available.
The Professional Development Initiative
The Professional Development Initiative conducts seminars, workshops and advanced training in Taranaki to further develop the skills and expertise of the professionals that are engaged within the domestic violence sector. The group covers a wide range of topics to ensure local practitioners are knowledgeable, informed and kept up to date on the latest research and best practice.
What is family violence?
Family violence isn’t only physical harm — it can also be emotional, verbal, sexual, financial or controlling behaviour that makes someone feel scared, unsafe or powerless. It can happen in any close relationship, including partners, ex-partners, whānau members, flatmates or caregivers.
Abuse can look like put-downs, threats, isolation from friends and family, controlling money, monitoring someone’s movements, or using children as leverage. Recognising these behaviours is an important step toward getting help and staying safe.