Hush money is a bad thing - particularly when it’s related to domestic violence says the manager of the National Network of Stopping Violence Services, Brian Gardner.

Hush money is a bad thing - particularly when it’s related to domestic violence says the manager of the National Network of Stopping Violence Services, Brian Gardner. 

 

“Paying to try to cover up your sins is despicable because it allows totally unacceptable behaviour to continue unchecked.  In New Zealand, police attend a domestic violence incident every seven minutes.  In New Zealand, women and children are regularly dying at the hands of a family member. Domestic violence thrives in silence,” says Mr Gardner.    

 

He says high profile cases like those of broadcaster Tony Veitch and All Black Sitiveni Sivavatu show that having money does not stop a man from being violent.  But a better investment of money, be it $100 or $100,000, would be to admit that you have a problem, and then to seek counselling to change the behaviour. 

 

Brian Gardner was one of the faces of the recent round of It’s Not Okay television advertisements, which encouraged friends and families to get involved. 

 

“Domestic violence is often treated as a private issue, by friends and employers.  And often those involved do not want to talk about it.  But domestic violence is dangerous and needs to be exposed.  Unless the behaviour is confronted, nothing changes.  To say nothing, results in needless injury and death”.

 

Mr Gardner says it’s okay to ask for help from the many services available throughout the country, or from the Family Violence Information Line 0800 456 450 or via the website www.areyouokay.org.nz