"Open the door for the victims of domestic violence."
That was the plea from Women's Refuge worker Amanda Durham at a Zonta Club of Metropolitan Dunedin brunch on Saturday, organised to help stop violence against women.
She was one of five people who took part in a discussion panel about how their organisations worked with victims and perpetrators of family violence and what they thought needed to be done to break the cycle.
Representatives from Stopping Violence Dunedin, the Family Court, New Zealand Police, Ministry of Social Development and Women's Refuge took part in the White Ribbon Day information event at the Customhouse Restaurant.
Those gathered touched on how important it was for witnesses of family violence to intervene and take action against it for the good of victims and the community.
"It's one thing supporting the elimination of violence against women, but it's another to do something about it," Ms Durham said as she challenged those present to call police if they heard abuse or to advocate for victims to get them help.
New Zealand Police Southern region family violence co-ordinator Senior Sergeant Kelvin Lloyd acknowledged the fear some felt in seeking help for abuse victims, but asked: "What would be the implication if you didn't?"
He raised the case of Nia Glassie, whose neighbours knew something was wrong, but chose not to act on their instincts.
Ministry of Social Development spokeswoman Carmen Batchelor said violence happened "across all cultures and all classes".
However, she acknowledged change was possible, and despite the recent media coverage of tragic events, she said there were also many success stories.
Organiser Robyn Westeneng said the event was one among many held throughout the country to help raise awareness of White Ribbon Day and the need to eliminate violence in the community.
The event raised $700 for Women's Refuge.
