A Call for Christmas Support

28th of November, 2025

Carol sitting in front of a Christmas tree

I’ve got to be honest with you… I am worried about this Christmas.

I’ve been working in the family violence sector for 20 years. Usually, we all look forward to the holidays, but right now, the "cost of living crisis" isn't just a headline for the families we support - it’s a trap. When you can’t afford rent or groceries, leaving a dangerous home feels impossible.

As bills rise and budgets shrink, we are seeing a heartbreaking reality: women are being forced to stay in abusive homes because they simply cannot afford to leave.

Economic uncertainty acts as a pressure cooker for family violence. Tensions rise, and options disappear.

For an agency like ours, the impact is hitting on two fronts:

  1. Demand is soaring: More families are in crisis, needing emergency funds, food and safe homes.
  2. Support is stretched: We know our community is hurting financially, too.

But we cannot let safety become a luxury item.

This Christmas, we are asking for a miracle of community support. Whether it’s the cost of a coffee or a larger gift, your donation acts as the bridge between a dangerous home and a fresh start.

Can you help relieve the pressure? We need to ensure that when a terrifying call comes in this Christmas, we can say "Yes, we can help."

Aroha nui,

Carol

A pool of generous match givers are matching all donations to Aviva until Giving Tuesday (2 December). This is a chance to double your impact. Please, give what you can today.

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