Whare Manaaki Inc. Porirua Women's Refuge 2.49

Our Mission:

To eliminate beliefs, attitudes and behaviors' inherent in patriarchal structures which maintain and perpetuate violence against women and children.

To empower women and children so they:
• have choice
• make the transition to independence
• are supported by communities/hapu

To raise awareness of family violence.

Manaaki Overview:

Whare Manaaki - Porirua Women’s Refuge provides support, advocacy and education to survivors of domestic violence, empowering them to make safe decisions for their future. We provide the option of a safe house, and also support in the community. We operate a 24 hour crisis telephone line assisted by a roster of trained volunteers outside working hours. We are also provide community support through our community office, Porirua Living Without violence.

Whare Manaaki - Porirua Women’s Refuge is a not for profit organization. The demand for our services is on going. We rely on the help and donations from the public to support our work in our community.

General Information:

Whare Manaaki - Porirua Women's Refuge Cornerstone Values:

Parallel Development: at Women’s Refuge is a system based on partnership consistent with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It means that tangata whenua and tauiwi develop equally side-by-side; resources are shared equitably; we offer culturally appropriate services; and we have an organisational structure consistent with our feminist, women-based orientation.

Collectivism: We are structured to be collaborative and inclusive; we aim to work collectively, encouraging everyone to have a voice, working as a group and supporting others.

Feminism: We oppose all forms of oppression against women, acknowledge the existence of gender-based violence and celebrate women's contribution to society.

Lesbian visibility: To acknowledge the struggle of lesbian women who helped set up Women's Refuge, to support women's choices around sexuality and identity, working to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women.