In New Zealand, the Ministry of Justice funds specific Safety Programs that are designed to help you and your children recover from the trauma of family violence and build strategies for a safer future.
These programs are free and confidential.
1. Types of Programs Available
- Strengthening Safety Service: For those without a Protection Order but where the abuser has been charged in a Criminal Court. It focuses on immediate risk and safety planning.
- Adult Safety Programs: For those with a Protection Order (temporary or final). These sessions are more in-depth and help you understand the dynamics of abuse and how to protect yourself in the long term.
- Child Safety Programs: Specifically for children (ages 3–17) who have seen, heard, or experienced violence. These use age-appropriate play and talk to help children feel safe and understand that the violence was not their fault.
2. Recommended Providers in Auckland (2026)
While you can choose any Ministry-approved provider, these major organizations are the primary contacts in Auckland:
| Provider | Area Covered | Contact Details |
| Womens Refuge | Nationwide | 0800 733 843 |
| Shine | Auckland Central / North Shore | 0508 744 633 |
| Family Action | West Auckland / Waitākere | 0800 326 327 |
| Shakti | Ethnic & Migrant Specialist (Citywide) | 0800 742 584 |
| Barnardos | Child-specific Programs (Citywide) | 0800 227 627 |
| Provider | Area Covered | Contact Details |
| Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri Trust | South Auckland/ Kaitaia | 0800 839 4273 |
| Te Whānau Rangimarie | South Auckland | 0508 6262 254 |
| South Auckland Family Violence Prevention | Manukau / Papakura | (09) 263 8312 |
| AVIVA | Christchurch | 0800 284 826 |
| Muka Whānau Services | Hawkes Bay | 0800 368 342 |
3. How to Register
You do not need a referral from a Judge to start, though they often recommend it.
- Contact the Program Team: You can email the Ministry of Justice directly at DVprogrammes@justice.govt.nz or call 0800 224 733.
- Talk to your Lawyer: If you have a Legal Aid lawyer, they can tick a box on your application to have the court refer you to these programs automatically.
- Self-Refer: You can call any of the providers in the table above and say: “I have a Protection Order and I would like to enroll in the free Adult Safety Program.”
4. Key Benefits of Attending
- It’s on your terms: You only go if you want to.
- Repeatable: You can attend the program more than once if your Protection Order is still in place and you feel you need a “refresher.”
- Different formats: Many providers now offer these via Zoom or Phone if you cannot make it into an office or are worried about running into the abuser in public.
Staying Safe and Sane 