Telethon funds to counter violence

Press, 13 April 1988, Page 14

Telethon funds to counter violence

; ; ' i j h i ' I 1 H"■ This year’s Telethon (June 25 and 28) will benefit organisations which are working to combat violencb in the home and neighbourhood.- ; i . • H ' ! -p; 1 ■ ’ ■ I l-Lj’

I : Il ■ The chairman; |; of Telethon’s beneficiary group The Home and Neighbourhood Trust Mr Sam Beca, says, | .“Right now there are mapy community groups dedicated to tackling, the problems of conflict and violence which threaten to [destroy our treasured way of life, but they desperately need our support if they are to succeed. No other event has the strength lof Telethon to unite New Zealanders, harnessing their tremendous! energy in support of a coinmon cause,” he said. ! The trust will distribute the funds to voluntary groups working { in the areas of family isupport, drug and alcohol education, neighbourhood support, and the prevention of violence.

become a sinister [force in New Zealand,” says Mr Beca. "Too many children experience aggression and hostility in the home, either directly as victims or as witnesses to violent scenes between parents. “The result? Violence feeding on violence [in a self-perpetuating cycle. Quite literally a vicious cycle. Therefore the paramount need as we see it is to reduce this; conflict within society." Telethon funds will go to groups which can offer constructive ways! to break the cycle of; violence through education and support programmes. Recognising the | urgency of this year’s cause, the trust says it intends to disburse all money [ progressively to approved projects in record time, by December 1989. j

"Family violence has