Battered Women’s Trust ( S.H.E )
Battered Women’s Trust is dedicated to providing specialist domestic violence services within Christchurch and wider Canterbury districts.
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Not so long ago, family violence was something many people pretended did not exist. As late as the 1970’s, women escaping violent family situations had no support from the law and no access to benefits or community agencies
In 1976, a group of a small group of women got together to do something about it. They started the Battered Women’s Support Group – a non-profit, voluntary support service for women in difficult or harmful relationships or situations.
That group became one of the original 11 Women’s Refuges which collaborated in 1979 to set up a national association of independent refuges – with the goals of providing safety and support for victims and children, and to increase public understanding of the causes and effects of family violence.
Battered Women’s Trust and the declaration of the Trust constitution was formalised in 1986. We opened our first safe house that year.
Over time Battered Women’s Trust has evolved, including it’s name, to offer a range of advocacy and education services as well as emergency safe housing and a 24-hour crisis line.
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To empower our community to create safe and healthy lives free of family violence.
An equitable society free of family violence.
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Battered Women’s Trust is dedicated to providing specialist domestic violence services within Christchurch and wider Canterbury districts. Our mission as an organisation is to empower our community to live free from harm. We are affiliated with the National Collective of Women’s Refuge and provide services from immediate crisis response to ongoing community and whanau support.
We have a compassionate, committed team who are highly trained to provide non-judgemental, supportive services to those experiencing domestic violence. Our services are tailored to each person’s specific circumstances and are client led to ensure people are receiving the support they want in the way they want.
How We Help
Programmes and Support Services
SHE provides a protective, supportive space, free from the violence and judgement that has been a large part of many people’s daily lives. In providing a safe environment our biggest asset/tool is people.
For people who have experienced family violence, trust and respect are fundamental to feeling safe above and beyond their immediate physical need for shelter and physical protection.
We dream about an equitable society free of family violence.
It’s our mission to empower our community to create safe and healthy lives free of family violence.
It’s what we’ve done for more than 40 years. We operate services providing safety, support, advocacy, and education to those who have been affected by family violence.
Click link to Make a Referral
Click link to Contact Us Now
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Click the links below to see more information
Family Harm Advocacy and Support Service
Whānau Protect – Women’s Refuge National Home Safety Service
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Together as a team we can make a difference.
We empower, respect and include.
We build collaborative and supportive relationships.
We exercise creativity and resourcefulness.
We walk the talk – we’re responsive and reliable.
There is always more to learn – we continually improve.
