Remorse, courage and determination to change were key factors in the success of a women's anti-violence programme run in Dunedin last month.
The Stopping Violence Dunedin (SVD) initiative was piloted with five women who wanted help addressing their use of violence and abuse.
The nine-session programme included self-esteem building, setting safe boundaries, developing good communication skills, creating healthy behaviour patterns and understanding the impact of violence on children and partners.
New Zealand Police statistics show women accounted for 15% of family-violence cases and 5% of protection-order respondents.
Domestic-violence campaigns had led to more women realising their behaviour was classed as negative, and the organisation had noticed an increase in women seeking help.
The programme was created in response to the increase.
Programme developer and facilitator Cinnamon Boreham said the women who completed the programme showed remorse for their use of violence and were willing to share stories many would prefer to keep hidden.
"They showed real courage and determination to put right their wrongs and learn new skills to be in the world violence-free," she said.
One of the women, who did not want to be named, said she understood why she needed the programme and it made her "whole again".
Another participant realised it was "OK to seek help and not suffer in silence, especially if it is part of your culture to keep it behind closed doors".
A third woman said the programme had inspired her to "change, to be a better mother and also to help others".
SVD manager Lynne Baird said public demand for the programme was high and the organisation would seek funding to continue it on a regular basis.
