Hauora Tairāwhiti acknowledges and responds to family violence as a health issue.
The Ministry of Health Violence Intervention Programme (VIP) aims to reduce the harm of family violence by implementing early intervention programmes in health services. To reduce and prevent the health impacts of family violence (partner, elder and child abuse and neglect) the programme promotes early identification, assessment and referral of victims presenting to health services.
One VIP co-ordinator is based at Gisborne Hospital. Their role is to train and equip frontline staff to recognise and give the appropriate support to victims of family violence.
The Violence Intervention Programme team also promotes networking and information sharing among domestic violence agencies, ensuring an effective multi-agency response to family violence.