Making a formal statement to the Police is a critical step in transforming a private struggle into a documented legal reality. While the process can feel daunting, a statement serves as a permanent, sworn record of the abuse that cannot be easily dismissed or altered by the perpetrator later. It provides a foundational layer of protection, allowing the Police to issue Safety Orders or support your application for a Protection Order. Without this official record, the history of violence remains “invisible” to the legal system, making it much harder for authorities to intervene effectively or hold the abuser accountable for their actions.
Furthermore, a police statement shifts the burden of safety from your shoulders to the state’s legal framework. In New Zealand, when Police have a clear, documented account of family violence, they can take proactive steps to remove the person of at-risk behavior from the home, even if you are not yet ready to press charges. This documentation is also vital for future family court proceedings, particularly regarding the safety and custody of children. It ensures that the “moral center” and “house of humanity” you provide for your family is recognized and protected by the law, creating a paper trail that validates your experience and your right to live without fear.
Finally, giving a statement is a profound act of reclaiming your voice and your Mana Motuhake. Abuse thrives in secrecy and the silencing of the victim; by speaking your truth to an official authority, you are breaking the cycle of conditioning and fear that the abuser relies on. It is a declaration that the harm and violence inflicted upon you are unacceptable and that you are no longer willing to carry the weight of that secret alone. This act of “weaving” your experience into a formal document is an exercise of your creative agency—turning a painful reality into a powerful tool for your own liberation and restoration.
Staying Safe and Sane 