Bringing in “The Ones Who Know Them”

Abstract

Victim advocates help victims of intimate partner violence to plan for their safety and encourage them to find social support. In New Zealand, however, victims often bring supportive allies with them to safety planning meetings, and those allies help to plan for the victim’s safety. Interviews were conducted with representatives from 24 refuges in New Zealand, and from their perspective, the inclusion of allies in safety planning meetings is beneficial not only for social support but also for enhancing the safety of the victim. The benefits and implications of enlisting informal community members to help keep victims safe are discussed.