In New Zealand, the Whānau Protect (National Residential Enhancements) program is designed specifically to help survivors of high-risk family violence stay safely in their own homes by turning the property into a “hard target.”

1. How the Police Safety Alarm (Bindi) Works

The most common device provided is a mobile personal alarm, often called a “Bindi” or a monitored personal alarm.

• One-Touch Activation: It is a small pendant or fob. When you press the button, it immediately connects to a 24/7 monitoring station.
• Live Audio: The device opens a two-way audio channel. The operator can hear what is happening in the room, which can be recorded as evidence.
• GPS Tracking: Even if you aren’t at home, the device sends your exact coordinates to the Police.
• Priority Response: Because these alarms are registered with the Police, a “silent” or “monitored” alarm trigger often results in a Priority 1 (P1) response, meaning cars are dispatched immediately.

2. The Whānau Protect “Home Hardening”

The alarm is just one part. This government-funded service also provides physical upgrades to the house so that you can feel secure inside while waiting for Police to arrive.

• Security Doors & Window Films: Stronger screen doors and “anti-shatter” film on glass windows to prevent forced entry.
• Sensor Lighting: High-intensity lights at every entry point to remove the “dark corners” where an abuser might hide.
• Panic Rooms: Reinforcing a specific internal door (like a bedroom or bathroom) so you and your children have a “safe zone” to lock yourselves in while the Police are on their way.

3. How to Get It for Free

You do not have to pay for these services if you meet the criteria.

• Referral: You usually need a referral from the Police, Women’s Refuge, or Victim Support.
• Risk Assessment: A specialist will visit your home to identify the “weak spots” (where the energy feels most vulnerable) and recommend specific upgrades.
• Confidentiality: The installers are specially trained in family violence safety and will not disclose your location or the details of the security system to anyone else.

4. Why it Helps the “Mind Games”

Having a physical alarm acts as an External Anchor. When you hear a noise at night and your “radar system” starts to spiral, you can look at the alarm and tell yourself: “I have a direct line to help. The house is reinforced. I am not helpless.” This reduces the cognitive load on your brain, allowing you to actually sleep and recover.

Access Whānau Protect

Whānau Protect is a national service. While the specific workers who come to your house will be from your local community, the program is managed centrally by the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges (NCIWR) in partnership with the Ministry of Justice.

No matter where you are in Aotearoa—from Kaitaia to Bluff—you can access this support.

How to Access Whānau Protect Nationwide

Step	Action
1. The Contact	Call the National Crisisline: 0800 REFUGE (0800 733 843). This is the “front door” for the entire country.
2. The Location	Tell them your town or region. They will connect you with one of the 41 local refuges that cover your specific area (including rural and isolated regions).
3. The Referral	You can also ask for a referral through Victim Support (0800 842 846) or the Police officer handling your case.
4. The Assessment	A local advocate will contact you to see if your home is suitable for “hardening” (alarms, locks, and lighting).

Specific Regional Providers

While Women’s Refuge is the primary provider, other specialist organizations also deliver Whānau Protect to ensure cultural safety:

• Shakti: For women of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern origin (Nationwide).
• Shine: Primarily Central/North Auckland, but they provide national helpline advice.
• Māori Women’s Refuge: For those who prefer a Kaupapa Māori approach (available in most regions).
• Fale Pasifika: Specialist support for Pasifika families.

What if I live in a very rural area?

The service is designed for you, too. Refuges often have “Mobile Advocates” who travel to isolated areas.

Important: Whānau Protect is for people who are no longer living with the abuser. If the abuser is still in the home, the primary goal will be helping you with a Safety Plan or a Safe House placement first.

What to Say

When you call Women’s Refuge (0800 733 843) or Shine (0508 744 633) to ask for Whānau Protect, the person on the phone is looking for specific “risk indicators.” Because it is a high-demand service, you can move your application forward faster by focusing on these three core areas.

1. The “Status of the Abuser”

Whānau Protect is specifically for victims who are not currently living with the abuser and intend to keep it that way.

• What to say: “I am living separately from [Name], and I do not intend to let them back into the home. I have a Police Safety Order (or Protection Order) in place.”
• Why it matters: They need to know the home is currently a “safe zone” that they can reinforce without the abuser being inside to sabotage the equipment.

2. The “Level of Danger” (High-Risk Indicators)

The service is prioritized for those at risk of serious physical injury. Don’t minimize what has happened. Mention if any of these specific “red flags” exist:

• Strangulation: “They have put their hands around my neck/choked me before.” (This is the #1 indicator of future high-risk harm in NZ).
• Weapons: “They have access to firearms/weapons or have used objects to threaten me.”
• Stalking/Monitoring: “They are constantly turning up at the house, tracking my phone, or sending threats.”
• Children: “There are children in the home who are also terrified/at risk.”

3. The “Home Vulnerability”

Explain why the house as it is now doesn’t feel safe.

• What to say: “I am constantly watching the windows because the locks are old/the glass is easy to break. I feel like I’m walking on eggshells because the property is dark at night and I can’t see who is outside.”
• Why it matters: This helps the advocate understand that physical upgrades (like window films or sensor lights) will make a tangible difference to your safety.

High Risk Check

In New Zealand, the Police and agencies like Women’s Refuge use specific “Red Flags” to determine if a person is at high risk of serious harm. If you answer “Yes” to even one or two of these, you are often fast-tracked for services like Whānau Protect.

The “High Risk” Reality Check

1. Non-Fatal Strangulation: Has the person ever put their hands around your neck, choked you, or made it hard for you to breathe (even if it was “just for a second” or left no marks)?In NZ, this is one of the highest predictors of future lethal violence.
2. Escalation: Has the violence or control become more frequent or more severe in the last few months? (e.g., they used to just yell, but now they throw things or block the door).
3. Recent Separation: Have you recently left, told them you are leaving, or started secretly planning to leave?The most dangerous time for a victim is often the first 3 months after separation.
4. Threats to Kill: Have they ever threatened to kill you, themselves, the children, or even a pet? (This includes saying things like, “If I can’t have you, no one can.”)
5. Stalking & Monitoring: Do they follow you, turn up unexpectedly at your work or the supermarket, or use technology (like GPS or logging into your social media) to track your every move?

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What These Results Mean

• If you answered “Yes” to any of these: You should be prioritized for a Without Notice Protection Order and the Whānau Protect home-hardening service.
• If you answered “Yes” to number 1 (Strangulation): Tell the Police or Refuge advocate immediately. It is now a specific crime in NZ (Section 189A of the Crimes Act) and is treated with extreme urgency.