Eclipse Family Violence Services

RECOGNISE | RESPOND | SUPPORT
Practical workplace responses to stalking released after stalking became a stand alone criminal offence.

Equipping workplaces with guidance and tools to support employees experiencing stalking

Tool to Support Response to the New Stalking Legislation “Stalking is a pattern of targeted and unwanted behaviours that cause fear or distress. Stalking can happen in person, online and through the use of technology. Some behaviours may seem minor or trivial in isolation or be seen as subtle; however, harm can build up over time when behaviours are rep...

Stalking, Surveillance and Monitoring Guidance – including for Pets

Debbs recently contributed to a story through The Herald, that highlighted the prevalence of devices used to stalk, surveil, and monitor victims of family violence.

This story provided some fantastic advice to support tech safety, while also providing some additional considerations for our fur-babies/pets.

https://www.eclipsefamilyviolenceservices.co.nz/post/stalking-surveillance-and-monitoring-guidance-including-for-pets

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ECLIPSE!
We are now entering our fifth year of ECLIPSE Family Violence Services.

We would love to take this opportunity to share with you some personal wins and successes from the previous year in the Family Violence sphere:

ECLIPSE:
-In the past year, we have trained a total of 1845 responders and practitioners through face-to-face/ online work shops and E-learning.

-Our team has grown from three facilitators to six facilitators (details soon to be shared)

-Debbs now has wonderful support with an EA and critical Admin support (again details to be shared soon)

We are excited to also share
-We have introduced E-learning workshops to offer training through a specialised lens for practitioners who work with specific diversity groups.

-ECLIPSE has successfully obtained several government contracts and is sharing our lived experience lens in many spaces.

-Multiple organisations have purchased our Essential Level Entry to Expert (E2E) Capability Framework and are upskilling whole of workforces

-Essential Level Entry to Expert (E2E) Capability Framework coming soon

-Debbs was appointed to the Family and Sexual Violence Ministerial Advisory Group, and was beyond honoured to accept the Chair appointment.

Legislative and Awareness Wins:
-May 2026 - Stalking and Harassment became a standalone criminal offense.

-February 2026 - The Evidence (Giving Family Violence Evidence in Family Court Proceedings) Amendment Act 2025 (Act 44 of 2025) enables witnesses in Family Court to provide evidence via alternative methods (video link, from behind a screen). Enacted to enhance safety and reduce trauma.

-Dr Kathy Peri - A tool has been designed to help assess the risk of abuse of older people has been developed by the University of Auckland’s Dr Kathy Peri.
-And many more

While we still have a long journey a head of us, it is important to recognise every win and each step we take, leading us to a safer Aotearoa, New Zealand free from Family Violence. What we contribute as individuals, shapes our wider community, and ripples out globally. We are excited to continue to contribute alongside our dedicated Kaimahi.

This is phenomenal research and shines a spotlight on the critical risk of su***de as a consequence of family violence, especially when we understand coercive control and that lethality isn't just physical injury.

"Slow femicide” – su***de through family violence victimisation Leading domestic violence expert calls for the investigation of su***de victims linked to family violence and coercive control.

So proud to be joining this amazing line up of wāhine at Whenua Fitness at their event celebrating women - By Wāhine For Wāhine on Sunday.

Even prouder that this is my eldest daughter Nicole Stowers initiative, at her and her partners Christchurch gym, Whenua Fitness.

I am so proud of everything she does, I am in awe of her as a wāhine and as a māmā, and her physical and mental stamina is unbelievable.

Both my girls will be there Sunday and for the first time I'll share some of my journey in front of some of my children.

I'm excited 😊

This morning has been a morning of profound reflection, hope and gratitude.

It is honour enough to be selected to represent in the new Ministerial Advisory Group for Family and Sexual Violence alongside some incredible humans. But to be asked to Chair the group was something that I am still trying to process, and to be honest there is a rather large amount of imposter syndrome also being navigated.

But what I do know, is that I am ready and committed beyond a shadow of a doubt to this group, to this mahi, to Aotearoa New Zealand, and every primary victim and predominant aggressor, child and pet that has ever been harmed in the context of family violence and to all who have experienced s*xual violence.

I set a goal five years ago to try and ensure that the voice of lived experience was honoured enough that it would inform all levels of response, policy, and legislation - and today it is a reality.

Lived experience now has a place and a voice at the highest levels, and that my friends had me crying tears of unbelievable thanks last night.

Thank you to my whānau and friends - you have all believed in me and supported the raising of my voice. I would never have achieved this without you.

And thanks to all of you who have taken the time to send such beautifully humbling messages. I am profoundly blessed.

New Ministerial Advisory Group Formed to Strengthen Fight Against Family and Sexual Violence | Law-Order Minister Chhour said addressing these complex issues requires coordinated action between government agencies, frontline services, and communities across New Zealand.

PETITION - Remove 'Good Character' Discounts for s*xual violence offenders!!!!

A survivor of childhood s*xual abuse is calling for change.

Sam Troth from Road to Healing Aotearoa has collected 16,000 signatures on a petition to ban good character discounts in sentencing s*x offenders.

And it's working. Three Australian states have already changed their laws. Our Justice Minister is open to reform. The Chief Victims Advisor supports it.

But here's the reality: Right now, s*xual offenders can get sentences reduced by up to 40% because they're "of good character."

Abuse is abuse

Women, men, non-binary people—survivors deserve justice.

No letters needed.

This is not justice.

This is protecting offenders' reputations over survivor healing.

The petition closes at the end of July . Please Sign it. Share it. Demand change.

Because you're not of good character if you're s*xually assaulting anyone. Period. 💜

https://petitions.parliament.nz/cf986021-083d-40b6-a30f-08dd63dfe70d?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=IwY2xjawRqIMRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFNb2VETWVEbUlickNSbVY2c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHv6R2WAd17KwfTXUi4hW47mLkjb-_Nc10Dk5cxuqG7ylht7VSUDSImF6PcWk_aem_D0BWQ9gK2QBi2u6eT6OWGA&brid=YWdncwF81GlfhIc-oPyaJhVCF4Ry&lang=en

petitions.parliament.nz

Some days and weeks are hard, but when Joy is found in what we do every day - the load somehow lightens.

We dont always get what people think are the big wins - and many measure success by those big wins ... money, titles, assets, fame etc

Me? - I just live in such deep gratitude that I get to turn up every day and try.

Have wonderful weekends everyone

This actually hurts my heart:

When did anyone in Aotearoa think the right option to address homelessness was to criminalise it?

When did anyone ever think the solution to homelessness was to fine people living on the streets, and so far beyond the poverty line $2000.00. How could that even logically seem like a solution that would work?

When did anyone ever think the solution was to lock up those who are merely trying to survive with the limited resource they have, and who are often navigating the trauma of life experiences the best way they know how?

In reality, three meals a day, a warm room, and clean clothes is the solution - just not in a prison cell.

This makes me so very sad. How could we get it so very wrong?

We have violent offenders on bail that may make better use of any free prison beds in order to keep victims safe.

We have Police already over run and under resourced being positioned to arrest people for social issues.

If there are offenses that involve risk to safety of self or others - fill your boots - otherwise support, care, kindness and compassion is the answer.

If we can make such rapid changes to legislation - lets start making it where it will truly have the biggest impact - safety of victims.

Move-on orders 'shift the problem' as advocates warn of harm to those already struggling Advocates say you can't enforce your way out of homelessness.