Challenging Violence - Changing Attitudes - Changing Lives.
E wero ana I ngā tūkinotanga, E huri ana i ngā whakaaro, E huri ana i tōu huarahi

Our Mission

Stopping Violence Services changes lives by:

• Providing non-violence educational programmes in order to break the cycle of violence by providing the tools for lifelong change.
• Raising public awareness of the negative impact of family violence.
• Providing support services to people affected by family violence.
• Education within the wider community that all violence is unacceptable.
• Providing training and education programmes.

Our History

Stopping Violence Services (Christchurch) Inc (SVS) has been providing non-violence programmes for men and women since 1983 and for youth since 2008. SVS is renowned for its excellence in providing programmes that are delivered by highly-qualified, knowledgeable and professional staff. We are a preferred Domestic Violence programme provider, for the Ministry of Justice, and are absolutely committed to the objective of the 1995 DV Act, of "Stopping or preventing domestic violence on the part of those offenders who use 'violent and controlling behaviours' that violate, the right of another person to safety, autonomy and wellbeing" and that, "the safety of women and children is paramount".

SVS for many years has held contracts providing non-violence programmes for the Department of Corrections, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Development and Child Youth and Family (now the Ministry for Vulnerable Children - Oranga Tamariki). Programmes are delivered in the wider Canterbury region, including Christchurch, Ashburton, Rangiora and South Canterbury.

SVS believes that Family Violence is a barrier to equal and respectful relationships, therefore the aim of our behavioural change programmes are to address issues of violent and controlling behaviours. This is achieved by inviting participants to substitute violent and controlling behaviours for non-violent, respectful ways of behaving.

Funding & Referrals

How are Stopping Violence Programmes funded?

SVS receives funding from Government Departments such as the Ministry of Justice, the Department of Corrections and the Ministry of Social Development. Other valued supporters include community funders such as Lotteries, the Rata Foundation and other philanthropic trusts. Due to limited funding, self-referred clients are encouraged to make a financial contribution towards attending programmes, however funding is available for those that can not afford the cost of a programme.

Who can make a referral?

• Individuals
• Health Professionals
• Social workers/Counsellors
• Ministry of Justice
• Department of Corrections
• Ministry for Vulnerable Children - Oranga Tamariki
• Schools
• Employers
• Tertiary Institutions