Kia ora,

Thank you for contacting the Backbone Collective. Our small team will reply to you personally within the next few days.

If you would like to stay informed about ongoing opportunities to share your voice and insights in our collective kōrero with authorities and service providers, sign up to our newsletter.

Need help now? See our referrals webpage or the National Helplines below.

Please note, although we would like to, we unfortunately do not have the capacity to provide individual advocacy at this time. 

You can also browse our online resources and reports

·   Our Family Court guide for victim-survivors: Reducing Risk and Harm when going to Family Court

·  Infographics illustrating how women victim-survivors are currently treated by the system, and how the system should support victim-survivors. These resources may assist when attempting to explain your experiences to others.

·  Our 2024 report with Houhou Te Rongo Kahukura about victim-survivors’ experiences with the police. 

·  Our reports on the Family Court, including women’s experiences, the complaints and appeals processes and Lawyer for Child.    

If you need support, please contact the following free, 24/7 helplines: (please note there may be a wait time)

·  Shine Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0508 744 633 (webchat available)

·  Women’s Refuge – 0800 733 843 (phone and webchat available)

·  HELP Sexual Abuse Helpline – 0800 623 1700 (phone) / 8236 (text)

·  Safe to Talk (Sexual Harm Support) – 0800 044 334

·  Hohou Te Rongo Kahukura – Resources and support for Takatāpui and Rainbow communities: https://kahukura.co.nz 

Ngā manaakitanga,

The Backbone Team
info@backbone.org.nz