Family Violence Intervention & Prevention Charitable Trust (Family VIP Services) supports Hawke’s Bay families to live free from violence. We provide confidential services to women, men, children, and our community; tailored to every individual’s needs.
Should you, or some one you know, need support, advice or general information, please contact one of our advocates.
Formally Hastings and Napier Women's Refuges Family VIP services offer information, support and advocacy to people affected by violence. Our team can advise on many things over the phone before connecting you with the right person or service for your needs.
Our normal working hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm.
If you need support for you and your family, or you want to support a family member, friend or colleague call our support line on 0800 REFUGE.
Whether you are female, male or non-binary, a member of the rainbow community/Takatāpui, regardless of your age, ethnicity, culture or your personal circumstances we are here to support you.
Our dedicated team are available to answer your questions. We will discuss your situation and assess your immediate safety. We will support you in developing a safety plan and discuss with you what we can offer regarding on going support.
You DO NOT have to go to a Safe House. We will work with you in a way that suites your needs, in your home, go for coffee, meet in the park; what ever it takes to keep you and your children safe.
Your call is confidential and, if you wish, you can remain anonymous.
Family VIP Services can inform you of your legal and financial rights, and your right to live a life free from violence..
We can arrange appointments with lawyers, doctors, police, Work and Income or any other agency which best suits you and your family’s needs.
An advocate can go with you to your appointment and support you at what can be a very difficult time. We will support you in the decisions you make, and we will walk alongside you while you are on your journey to living a life free from violence and abuse.
Family VIP Services can offer safe accommodation for women and children who are experiencing family violence for those in need of immediate safety.
Our safe houses are located in Hastings and Napier. Our safe house addresses are confidential.
Although we cannot currently offer safe house services to men affected by violence, we can provide information, advice and support.
Please call 0800 REFUGE (733 843).
At Family VIP Service we recognise the lack of service options available for men affected by family violence in our community. Whilst we cannot provide safe house services at this time, all other support services are available.
Please call 0800 REFUGE (733 843)
Family VIP provide safety education programmes for women, children, teens, men and couples.
Our programmes are designed to provide information on the dynamics of family violence and how it affects each individual. We talk about communication skills and how to foster healthy relationships.
Our aim is to increase your knowledge to empower you to live a life free from violence and abuse.
We encourage workplaces to be responsive to family violence. Not only does it build your reputation as a healthy, safe workplace which values its staff, but it also lowers the risk of violence and/or abuse occurring on your premises. It assists in reducing the costs associated with absenteeism and employee turnover.
Family VIP Services can help you to support employees who are living with family violence. We can increase your understanding of Family Violence legislation and support you to develop Family Violence Policies.
Family VIP Services are experienced in creating and delivering training packages to government departments and private sector workplaces. We can personalise a package to suit your company’s needs.
Guests speakers are also available for clubs or private functions.
If you need help, advice, guidance or simply want to talk, you can call us anytime. Our support line is confidential and non-judgemental.
In an emergency please dial 111.
