Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga – The National Network of Stopping Violence Services is a network of community organisations working to end men’s violence to women and children across Aotearoa/New Zealand since the 1980s.

In working to achieve our mission of ending all forms of violence, abuse and oppression we are guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and recognise Maori as Tangata Whenua.

The Kawa (Principles) that guide our organisation are:

• Tikanga   -   Safety
• Tino Rangatiratanga   -   Accountability
• Aroha   -   Responsibility
• Tumanako   -   Respect
• Pono   -   Gender partnership and equality
• Koi Mahi   -   Excellence in practice
• Rangimarie

Aims of our Organisation

• Promotion of social, political and organisational change to enable women, children and families to reach their full potential unaffected by violence and oppression.
• Promotion of social, political and organisational change to enable Tangata Whenua to reach their full potential unaffected by violence and oppression.
• To work alongside support agencies and to act as advocates for survivors of men's violence.
• To speak out against all forms of violence particularly men’s violence to women and children.
• To promote non-violence and equality in relationships.
• Enable member agencies to work together to provide safe and effective services.
• Enable excellent work at all levels of the network.
• Promotion of research and policy to end violence and abuse.
• To challenge men to live non-violently and take responsibility for their use of violence.

Who We Are

Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga – The National Network of Stopping Violence Services is a network of community organisations working to end men’s violence to women and children across Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Our member agencies provide a wide range of services:

• Stopping violence programmes for men.
• Support and education programmes for women affected by violence.
• Treatment programmes for men who sexually offend.
• Advocacy and support for victims of domestic violence.
• Programmes for children and young people affected by violence.
• Programmes for young people addressing abusive or violent behaviour.
• Training for organisations and individuals on domestic violence dynamics and prevention.

We have member agencies providing services to people affected by violence across the country from Whangarei in the North to Dunedin in the South. (See Map)

Member organisations that join the network agree to work by the practice standards of the network and offer a safe and professional service.

Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga – The National Network of Stopping Violence Services is a bicultural organisation based on the Treaty of Waitangi. Our member agencies elect representatives to our Maori and Tauiwi executives (two men and two women in each) who form the Partnership Roopu (governance group) responsible for the running of the organisation.

National Office

Our National Office is based in Wellington and is operated in accordance with Te Tiriti o Waitangi with a National Co-Manager Kaiwhakahaere and a National Co-Manager Tauiwi.

Role of National Office

Our National Office has a number of roles, these include:

1. A national voice promoting social, political and institutional change to allow women and children to live free of violence and oppression.
2. The promotion of excellent practice in domestic violence prevention through interagency collaboration, member support, networking, promotion of best practice standards, quality assessment and training.
3. The development of high quality resources which supports member agencies to work successfully with clients e.g. videos, programme manuals, standards of practice manuals.
4. The co-ordination of training and networking opportunities for member agencies i.e. training hui, annual conference and regional member meetings.
5. Advocacy and support services via political lobbying, provision of a complaints resolution process, assistance with programme and policy development, a network of highly skilled and experienced professionals and agencies in the field of domestic violence prevention.
6. Expertise and experience in working with Maori whanau, hapu and iwi within a framework of honouring Te Tiriti O Waitangi.

Who do our Agencies work with?

Our member agencies work with a wide range of people wanting to resolve problems in their lives caused by violence: women who are wanting to leave or have left violent relationships, children and young people affected by violence, men who want to get in charge of violent and abusive behaviour and become better partners, dads, friends and workmates.

Violence and abuse destroys relationships and families, over half the murders in New Zealand every year are domestic related. Domestic violence cuts across every socio economic and cultural group. People affected by domestic violence experience a wide range of effects and emotions. These can include fear, shame, guilt, anger, anxiety, grief, depression, thoughts of suicide, alcohol and drug abuse.

Violence can be stopped and lives can be restored. The staff in our member agencies are trained to deal with the affect violence has had on their lives.

How are our Agencies funded?

Member agencies of our network are “not for profit” community agencies and receive funding from a wide range of government agencies, charitable trusts, and donations.

Stopping violence services are critical for people seeking help and for many people are the only specialist service available.

If you would like to join us in making New Zealand violence free, you can contribute a donation or contact us to volunteer your time.