Advocate Links Up Waitakere Schools

Michelle Hazeldine, an Advocate based at Barnardos Waitakere says "the schools now have someone who links them into family violence advice, resources and services.  It’s the little things that make the difference, like a teacher worried about a child’s reaction to a family violence poster, to working with a school who wants to help a family dealing with family violence. 

Over the past six months, Michelle has provided family violence training to those who interact with families and children as part of their everyday work.  Training tools include how to question a child, how to spot child abuse and what to do. The training has been delivered to teachers, principals, those who work in the Police and child and care services, like Plunket, Child Youth and Family, and Lifewise. 

"Sometimes you think you are talking to the converted, but often the child’s perspective is overlooked when we work with those dealing with family violence" says Michelle.

At this stage, the role is about making connections and building on the progress made by the family violence campaign.  Michelle says, "People are more aware of family violence, but are now asking how can I help and what can our organisation do? 

Through the advocate role, people like Michelle are helping agencies get the support and tools they need, while strengthening their links to family violence agencies and promoting the child’s perspective.   Michelle says "Sometimes I ask myself if I am making a difference, but I am seeing small positive results everyday. And that is what will make the difference in the long run."

There are three ‘Advocates for Children Witnessing Family Violence’in Waitakere.  One is hosted by Barnardos Waitakere and the other two advocates are hosted by Pacific Island Safety and Prevention Project and Tu Wahine Trust who focus more on Pacific and Maori leaders, organisations and networks.

For more information visit the Advocates for Children and Young People Who Witness Family Violence Initiative.