If you are in a situation of domestic violence write to us on [email protected] or call our 24-hour crisis line 0800SHAKTI (0800742584) and our multi-lingual staff will provide you the information you need. Alternatively, you can schedule to meet one of our trained staff to talk about your options and a safety plan and we will provide you a culturally-appropriate environment to discuss your issues confidentially.

Shakti provides culturally specialist, confidential support services to women and their children of Asian, African and Middle Eastern origin facing any form of domestic violence.

Domestic Violence, also called “intimate partner abuse”, “battering”, or “wife-beating”, refers to physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse in the context of an intimate relationship, including marriage. For migrants, immigration visa sponsorship is another tool for abuse. Domestic violence is one of the most common forms of gender-based violence and is often characterised by long-term patterns of abusive behaviour and control. Marital rape is also a form of abuse where one individual forces another to perform a sexual act against that person’s will. Most experts believe the primary cause of rape is an aggressive desire to dominate the victim rather than an attempt to achieve sexual fulfilment. In an abusive domestic relationship one has the power over another. One or more individuals are in fear and not able to safely express or negotiate power. This means being totally fearful, put down, threatened, disrespected, feeling hopeless, etc.

Shakti is an associate member of National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges (NCIWR) / Women’s Refuge, New Zealand. Visit www.womensrefuge.org.nz for further information.