Protecting our youth

Everyone deserves a life free from violence. If you have been exposed to family or sexual violence, or are struggling with your own anger, getting the right support is important.

Aviva Rangitahi Services are for young people aged 13 and above who have experienced (including having witnessed) family violence, or who are at risk of using violence.

We provide support that is led by you. We work alongside you to recognise and respond to harmful behaviors. By learning and practicing healthy boundaries, you can proactively manage your wellbeing, your right and responsibility to be safe, and build healthy relationships.

For children aged between 5 and 12, our Tamariki Services are available to support.

 

Is violence affecting me?

Do you recognise yourself, or someone you care about, in any of the following traits?

• using violence, or the threat of violence, against you or those you care about
• suspicious of phone calls, texts, emails, friends or family
• becoming jealous
• trying to control who you see and where you go
• controlling access to money and how it is spent
• being isolated from friends or family
• using put-downs or name-calling
• making others feel useless
• showing little or no regard for the other person’s thoughts or feelings
• feeling forced, intimidated or pressured into sexual activity
• playing mind games
• causing fear
• becoming angry easily and taking it out on others

If you identified with any of these statements, now is a good time to reach out.

 

How can Aviva help?

Our Rangatahi Education Programme, He Pito Mata, offers education will be supported to:

• Develop your own plans to stay safe
• Learn about healthy relationships
• Build your self-confidence
• Have positive, trusting experiences with others
• Find appropriate ways to deal with anger
• Learn what to do when you recognise abuse
• Know where to get support that works for you

Support is available in Christchurch, Selwyn, Ashburton, and North Canterbury. Our education programme can be delivered individually or in a 10-week group education setting during school terms depending on interest.

 

Contact us

• Call us free on ✆0800 28 48 26 or ✆(03) 378 3847 - 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for people in Canterbury
• Email ✉[email protected] (this inbox is checked Monday-Friday, 9-5)
• If you are a social service or other referring agency, please complete a referral form and forward to Aviva by email

 

“When you've been let down by the system, it's really hard to trust again. I didn't expect this to work. [...] My youth worker was the first person to just listen, and they were able to challenge me when I needed to be challenged. They were able to help me in ways I never knew anyone would, or could. I felt safe here.” - Rangatahi Services client