What individual concerns can we help you with?

Counselling

We have a range of qualified and experienced counsellors that are available for individuals affected by trauma.
Please contact us to find out more information, including cost per session, criteria and to arrange a thorough assessment.

Safety Planning

We can work with you, your family or friends to establish a safety plan tailored to your individual needs.
If you are thinking about leaving an abusive partner it is important to keep yourself safe and ensure that you have support from friends, family or support services like Central Lakes Family Services.

Where possible it is best to plan ahead and think about both short and long term safety plans to keep yourself safe after separation.

In the event that you are being assaulted:
 Leave if you can – Be aware of all exits, is there anything blocking your escape route
 If possible keep a cell phone on you
 Are you leaving on foot and if so where are you going? If you are going to a neighbour’s house, are they aware that they are part of your safety plan? It is best to organise this in advance in conjunction with your neighbour so they know what to expect and how they can assist.
 If you are leaving by car, is there a spare car key handy? Is there petrol in the car and have you parked your vehicle ready for a fast getaway?
 Leave a spare set of clothing with a family member, neighbour or friend.
 Keep all important documents (passports, birth certificates, etc), cash, bank cards, medications together and place them where you can get them quickly or leave them with a “safe” person.
 If you get stuck in the house stay away from high risk areas such as the kitchen, stairs and garage and keep away from weapons.
 Call 111 for help.
 Run to a neighbour for help
 Get to a safe place outside the house to hide
 Use judgement and intuition. When the situation is very serious you may have to do what the attacker wants until things calm down. Then be on the alert for your chance to escape and get help.

Preparation for separation
 Tell only who needs to know like trusted friends or support workers about your plans.
 Arrange transport in advance and know where you’ll go.
 Gather documents. Birth certificates, marriage certificate, copies of Protection Orders, passports, any identification papers, driver’s licence, insurance policies, Work and Income documents, IRD number, bank account details and statements, cheque book, cash cards, immigration documentation, medical and legal records, etc.
 Keep record of any injuries. Ask your doctor to do this on your patient records.
Long term safety after separation
 You may want to apply for a Protection Order, discuss this with your support worker or your lawyer.
 Use different shops and banks to those you used when you lived with your ex-partner.
 Strengthen your home security. Change your locks and if possible get bolt locks, security chains etc. Consider installing an outside lighting system that lights up when a person comes near your house at night. Plan for extra safety between leaving your car and entering your home, e.g. an automatic garage door opener, safety lighting, etc
 Tell neighbours that your partner does not live with you and ask them to call the Police if she/he is seen near your house, or if they hear an assault occurring.
 Tell your employer that you have a Protection Order, or that you do not want your ex-partner to have access to you. If your car is parked in an isolated place have someone walk with you.
 Telephone the Police if your ex-partner breaches the Protection Order or is harassing you. If the Police do not help, contact Central Lakes Family Services or your lawyer for assistance.
 Contact Elections NZ on 0800 367 656 or go to www.elections.org.nz and ask for your name and address to be excluded from the published electoral roll.
 Use social media with caution to hide all personal information that might give away where you live and anything about you that you wish to keep private from your ex-partner. You also need to make sure that any of your ‘Friends’ on social media know to not disclose anything about where you live, etc on social media.