Reaching out can feel hard. You do not have to do it alone.
If you are experiencing family violence, or you are unsure about what is happening in your relationship or home, we are here to listen without judgement.
There is no "right" time to ask for help.
You do not need to have everything figured out before contacting us.
Whether you need immediate support, information, advocacy, or simply someone to talk to, our team is here to help.
24-Hour Crisis Line
0800 208 339
What Happens When You Reach Out
The first step is simply a conversation
Many people worry about what will happen if they contact us.
When you reach out, we start by listening.
We will talk with you about what is happening, what support you may need, and what feels safest for you right now.
Every situation is different, which means support is tailored to your circumstances, goals, and choices.
You are not required to leave a relationship, make a report, or take any action you are not comfortable with.
Our role is to provide information, support, advocacy, and practical assistance so you can make informed decisions for yourself and your whānau.
Common Fears We Hear
You're not the only person feeling this way
Many people tell us they delayed reaching out because they were worried about what might happen next.
Common concerns include:
"What if no one believes me?"
"What if things get worse?"
"What if I am not ready to leave?"
"What if I am overreacting?"
"What if I don't know what I want to do yet?"
"What if someone finds out I contacted you?"
These concerns are common and understandable.
You do not need to have all the answers before reaching out.
Safety planning is about creating options
Safety planning helps people prepare for situations where risk, fear, or uncertainty may be present.
A safety plan is developed together and tailored to your circumstances.
Safety planning may include:
Identifying safe people and places
Planning around tamariki and whānau
Technology and online safety
Emergency contacts and support networks
Strategies for leaving safely if needed
Practical planning for future situations
There is no single safety plan that works for everyone.
We work alongside you to create a plan that fits your situation.
Support Available
We can support you in many different ways
Depending on your situation, support may include:
Crisis support
Advocacy services
Safety planning
Safe accommodation options
Support programmes
Child and youth support services
Male advocacy services
Information and referrals
Assistance navigating community agencies and systems
Our team can help identify which services may be helpful for you.
Supporting The Whole Whānau
Family violence affects everyone
Our services support the whole whānau, including wāhine, tamariki, tāne, people experiencing family violence, and people seeking support to change violent or harmful behaviour.
We recognise that every person's experience is different and that support needs can vary greatly.
Our goal is to help create safer futures for everyone impacted by family violence.
Support does not end after the first conversation
Some people contact us once.
Others stay connected with our service for months or longer while navigating change, rebuilding safety, restoring confidence, and creating new pathways forward.
We are committed to walking alongside people at their own pace.
There is no expectation that support follows a particular timeline.
Your safety online matters
If you are concerned someone may be monitoring your device or internet activity:
Use a safer device if possible
Use private or incognito browsing
Clear your browsing history
Consider using the Quick Exit button
If you are in immediate danger, call 111.
Ready to reach out?
Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You do not need to go through this alone.
0800 208 339
🏳️🌈 Everyone deserves safety. Everyone belongs here.
Womens Refuge West Coast is an affiliated member of the Women’s Refuge National Collective, working alongside refuges across Aotearoa to support women and whānau experiencing family violence.
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