The local branch of Women’s Refuge New Zealand will debut the annual, nationwide, Paint the Town Purple campaign in Gore next month.
The goal was to reduce the community harm that led to the Gore and Clutha Women’s Refuge fielding hundreds of crisis calls each year, the violence prevention organisation’s local representative advocate Amy McSoriley said.
"It’s a simple goal, just raising awareness of domestic violence, to stand and support survivors and their children, and encourage communities to stand up against abuse," family harm practitioner and tamariki advocate Mrs McSoriley said.
Last year, the Gore and Clutha refuge received 407 police referrals, 417 crisis calls and supported 27 clients in safe housing.
During July, the organisation is encouraging the colour purple to be front and centre as it raises awareness and funds.
Purple-themed school mufti days and community events were all being encouraged, Mrs McSoriley said.
The business with the best decorated shop front would have morning tea supplied by the refuge, Mrs McSoriley said.
The refuge’s programmes include supporting tamariki and rangatahi, and it offered empowerment programmes for women.
"Our aim is to prevent family violence through our advocacy, educational programmes, awareness and other support services," Mrs McSoriley said.
It also has a male advocate, Craig Marshall, who had supported male perpetrators and victims of violence since 2021, refuge manager Talia Marshall said.
His role was a sign the service had evolved to support whole families, Mrs Marshall said.
"If you put all your work into the women and children, and get them supported ... and there’s no work done on the other side ... no male advocacy, then you’re not really helping the whole whānau," Mrs McSoriley said.
This year Mr Marshall supported about 20 clients.
The local group originally covered the Gore area, but branched out to include Clutha in 2016.
The Women’s Refuge has 41 sites throughout the country.
