Introducing “Say NO to Domestic and Family Violence”
Domestic and family violence affects every community in New Zealand. The 2026 Salvation Army State of the Nation report highlights that family violence remains one of the country's most significant social challenges, with police responding to a family harm incident approximately every three minutes. Behind these statistics are individuals, families, and children whose lives are profoundly affected.
Rotary has a unique opportunity to help raise awareness, encourage community conversations, and support prevention through its extensive network of clubs, volunteers, and community partnerships. We are not counsellors but we can raise awareness of support available within our communities. We are looking to build relationships and support with Women's Refuge, Shine, NZ Police Family Harm Teams, The Salvation Army, schools, councils, and other local community organisations.
This initiative was started successfully over a year ago in Rotary throughout Australia, and we are now ready to introduce it to New Zealand.
We will initially focus on two key activities:
- Purple Fridays – encouraging Rotary members and community members to wear a purple Rotary T-shirt one Friday each month to raise awareness and start conversations about family violence.
- A District Purple Walk in November – aligned with Rotary clubs across Australia, bringing our communities together in support of family violence awareness and prevention.
We are looking for clubs to get in behind this national and zone initiative. This is not a fundraiser - the investment involves buying a T-shirt. Your President has received information about this initiative and the support is strong across all five Rotary districts. More information will be available as we ramp up with this project.
Contact brent.gerrard@outlook.com