While the work on a new phase  of the  “It’s not OK”  campaign is under way, a decision on fresh funding isn’t due until the budget in May. Two  streams of thought came to my mind.  The first was; “ Here we go again with our short term  solutions” which leave often highly professional workers  uncertain and insecure  hence endangering both their productivity and the future of a valuable programme.   New Zealanders can be wonderfully  creative as this programme shows but  any resulting  long term  effect  demands time. A campaign spokeswoman commented , “ I think we have created a supportive environment, where a conversation is happening that had not been there before but it will take a long-term effort to turn things around.

My second reflection was on the many elements of violence in our society.  Just listen to the language advertising a rugby game;  “the battle of the giants, —-keeping tabs on the enemy” etc. And this is sport for heavens’ sake!!    I find myself praising Australian cricketers  having the competitive killer edge which the Black Caps lack.  This is dreadful.  So any programme which promotes more gentle living  in a mode which the general population will emulate, needs the encouragement which assured long term funding will give. Look at the time and onslaught media advertising  has  taken for us to realise the dangers of smoking .  Family violence is far more dangerous as it not only attacks the victims physically  but also at the heart of their very being as worthwhile people.   My work is with many needy people  who often express hatred for their fathers because of the violent treatment they received as children.  Yet it’s often been found that much as they’ve resented this treatment they  may go onto repeating it as that’s the only modelling they know.  We must reinforce ways which will help break the cycle of violence.  We must protect the most vulnerable.

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