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Another day, another #familyviolence incident in New Zealand. Writing a thread to process my thoughts...
I witnessed a nasty domestic today. Young men and women fighting in a cul de sac on a rainy New Plymouth day at 11am.
I witnessed a nasty domestic today. Young men and women fighting in a cul de sac on a rainy New Plymouth day at 11am.
2/ I was dropping something off at a friend's place at the time, and I quickly came inside when fists, rocks and bottles started flying. I said we need to call the cops right now. I heard "oh it's not really worth a 111 call" "oh they are stopping now anyway" ...
3 / "happens all the time" etc. My phone was in the car on the street. Everyone else was busily setting up for a party and ignoring what was going on outside. I watched from the window for a minute. Presumably a neighbour called (thankfully), as the cops quickly appeared.
4/ By then most of the people had moved on. As I had seen everything, I went out and made a statement to the police, who were very professional and good to deal with. It was the least I could do. It broke my heart to see young children watching from their window...
5/ ... some even getting amongst the fight. I saw adults at the house drinking passively on the front porch. They didn't seem interested in intervening or assisting. Those fighting were clearly on something. Their rage had clouded any sliver of judgement or self-awareness of ...
6/ ... what they were doing. The point of this thread is not to gloat or point fingers at those who didn't act. It's traumatic to witness such things, and numbs you when it occurs regularly next door. It is easier to do nothing. As kiwis we need to challenge our tendency ...
7/ ... to avoid uncomfortable situations or conflict. We condemn (family) violence but often don't have the courage to confront it. We stand by and expect someone else to act. I've also been guilty of this. I've learnt that all it takes is a quick phone call to do your bit.
