"Why Didn't You Just Leave?"

“I remember the incident that woke me up. He attacked me at my sister’s wedding in front of my family. I wasn’t aware of the mental and emotional abuse he put me through, but it was a wakeup call when he physically hurt me.”

PRESS RELEASE: FRIDAY 01 APRIL 2022 - You Can Be the Difference!

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, around the world. And if you’re out around Christchurch this month, you might spot one of the posters for Aviva’s new campaign, “You Can Be the Difference!”

Change Starts with Us: Creating a Safe Space for Our Children

Lee came to SEUGA following a racial confrontation at work. His wife Naoia tells us about the difference it’s made to their aiga (family). These are her words.

What do young people need to overcome sexual violence?

According to the Ministry of Justice, 16- to 24-year-olds are four times more likely to experience sexual assault. In 63% of sexual violence cases reported to the police, the victim was under the age of 17. Yet, across Aotearoa, the availability of youth focused sexual harm services remains limited. Why is this and how can we do better?

Walking Alongside Her Clients at the Most Pivotal Moment of Their Lives

Since the start of the pandemic, Aviva has had to operate a near-constant waitlist to manage increased demand. Chelsea is the person making sure they still get the support they need.
“The people I’m working with are people whose immediate safety is at risk, and they come to me because getting out of abusive relationships is hard. It can be dangerous, and it can be very lonely."

Anna Smiles Again

Anna's journey with Aviva began many years ago when Aviva was still known as Christchurch Women's Refuge. She took part in the first adult education group Aviva ever ran. After that, “life was great for a long time,” until her oldest son began to repeat behaviors he'd learnt from his father as a child.