Need help now?
If you are in immediate danger dial ✆111.
If you are not in immediate danger, but need help, call ✆0800 28 48 26 to speak to one of our team.
Aviva supports all people affected by violence to connect with their strengths and create a positive vision for a safer, fulfilling life.
Anybody, of any age who is experiencing (or has experienced) family and/or sexual violence, abuse, or harm can be helped and supported by Aviva.
We support people of all genders, faiths and ethnicities. We have services for adults, youth and children.
All of our services are free and available to all people who meet our criteria; you do not need to enter a Safe House or to have left your relationship to access our services.
You might not realise your relationship is abusive because there’s no physical violence. It’s important to know that abuse isn’t just physical. It can also be emotional, psychological, economic, or sexual. A major sign that something’s wrong is if you or your children feel fearful.
For more information and guidance, read 'what is abuse?' or complete the relationship check.
Aviva can:
- advocate and support you in gaining protection orders, accessing financial support, linking to Kainga Ora, and accessing support networks
- assist you to upgrade the security of your home once the violent person has left
- provide short and long-term support, depending on your needs
- offer Courageous Steps, our Ministry of Justice approved education programme on family violence, to support you in making the changes you would like to make.
See our education programme brochures for more information.
We aim to respond within 24 hours on weekdays. If you don’t hear from us, we may have called but have not left a message to ensure your privacy and safety.
Aviva offers high-quality support and intervention, including:
- explaining your rights
- clearly outlining our services
- providing safety planning and support network information
- advocating for you with other services
- we usually meet clients at our Community Offices, but we can be flexible and meet elsewhere if it’s safe
Contact Us
- Call us 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
“Now I look forward to the future rather than fearing it.” - Aviva client