default-output-block.skip-main
National | Bay of Plenty

Victim of abuse set to run 250km to raise awareness with help of police

Kahira Rata-Olley wants to speak out and raise awareness around domestic and sexual abuse.  The Rotorua mother was a victim of abuse for over 15 years and has chosen to embark on a gruelling 250km run from her home town to Napier over four days.

At least 12 Police officers have thrown their support behind the kaupapa and will be running a relay for the first leg of her “Running to Stop It” campaign between Rotorua and Taupō.

Te Kāea did a story on Kahira Rata-Olley and her campaign earlier in the year.

Add to...

to add this video to a playlist.

Police staff from across the Bay of Plenty will be marking White Ribbon Day in a number of ways.

Listed below are a number of White Ribbon events in the Bay of Plenty region.

Among the events are:

· Wednesday, 25 November - Police, partner agencies and White Ribbon Riders will be involved in an event hosted by Lakes District Health Board at Rotorua Hospital.

This will take place in the atrium of the hospital between 9am and 10am.

· Wednesday, 25 November - Staff in a number of Rotorua cafes, hairdressers and barbers will be wearing White Ribbon t-shirts and using barbers' capes with the White Ribbon logo to prompt conversations.

· Wednesday, 25 November – Family Violence Community Day led by the Salvation Army and supported by Police and other family violence partner agencies.

11am on the corner of Bridge Street and Leath Place.

· Wednesday, 25 November – A march against violence through Ōpōtiki at 10,30am.

· Saturday, 28 November - Community event on Rotorua’s village green from 1pm until 4pm.

The White Ribbon Riders are currently travelling across New Zealand as part of their annual ride, and will making stops in Whakatāne, Edgecumbe and Kawerau and Tauranga tomorrow (Tuesday) before heading over to Rotorua on Wednesday.

The public are encouraged to attend if possible as a way of showing support for the cause and finding out about support services available for victims of domestic violence.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call 111.

Women's Refuge Crisis Line also offers a 24hr helpline service on 0800 REFUGE.

There are a number of other national and local support services that can provide useful help and advice.

For more information about where to get help and how you can help if you know someone affected by family violence go to www.areyouok.org.nz or call 0800 456 450.