Family violence (FV) and suicide are both public health problems in Aotearoa, and though there is much ongoing work to reduce both; we often don't talk about how the two intersect.

There is strong evidence to show that FV and suicide are co-occurring issues. Research indicates that women and children who are/have lived with FV experience higher-than-average rates of suicidality (including suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts) and intentional self-harm.

It is imperative to talk about this link to enable appropriate responses to someone who may be thinking of taking their life.

Workshop focus:

The session will cover how FV and suicide intersect, the risk and protective factors of suicide, and what people can do if concerned about someone. The aim is for participants to leave feeling more informed, inspired and confident that every one of us (health professionals or not) can do something to prevent suicide and family violence.

All CCDHB, HVDHB staff, community practitioners and NGO partners are welcome. If you're unable to make it in person, please join online.

This session will discuss issues like self-harm, family violence and suicide. If you believe this session will be unsettling for you, then you may choose to not attend. If you, or someone you know needs help, please contact Te Haika on 0800 745 477. You can also text or call 1737. For immediate safety concerns, call 111.

About the speakers:

Hohepa Paurini is a Suicide Prevention Postvention Coordinator – Māori for the 2DHB (Capital & Coast and Hutt Valley DHB). Hohepa served with the New Zealand Defence Force for 34 years and provided pastoral care to staff. He was also a kaitautoko (support person) for Otaki College, and is a current board member of ‘Whirlwind ’ (a men’s mental health support group). Hohepa is a father to three and a grandfather to six. He has experience of family violence in his professional and personal life and is passionate about helping people who have been through traumatic experiences.

Roxanne Leech is also a Suicide Prevention and Postvention Coordinator for the 2DHB. She has a Masters in Psychology and is a qualified Trauma Counsellor. She has also worked in gambling and alcohol harm minimisation. Eradicating violence against women and children is a subject close to her heart. Throughout her work and personal life, Roxanne has supported women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Her most recent work in this space included writing a Masters thesis on the subject, where she explored how volunteer and support workers' respond to IPV.

To join us virtually, please register and use this link: https://3dhb.zoom.us/j/86726115012

A light lunch will be provided. Registration essential for attendance.

This workshop is a part of a series of talks and events facilitated by Capital & Coast and Hutt Valley DHB as part of the United Nations annual international '16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence' Campaign. For details of other events related to the 2DHB campaign, please visit:

29 Nov: Strangulation in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence – Wellington https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/200624572497

30 Nov: Should we be worried about economic abuse and harm? https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/200548755727

1 Dec: Strangulation in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence – Hutt https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/205413345847

2 Dec: Westpac: How banks can help family violence survivors https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/200637802067

6 Dec: Let’s talk about traumatic brain injury in the context of family violence https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/200642756887

What's the link between suicide and gender-based violence?