Rangatahi Services

“When you've been let down by the system, it's really hard to trust again. I didn't expect this to work. [...] My youth worker was the first person to just listen and they were able to challenge me when I needed to be challenged. They were able to help me in ways I never knew anyone would, or could. I felt safe here.” - Rangatahi Services client

Everyone deserves a life free from violence. If you have been exposed to family or sexual violence, or are struggling with your own anger, getting the right support is important.

Who are Aviva Rangatahi Services for?

Aviva Rangitahi Services are for young people aged 13 and above who have experienced (including having witnessed) family violence, or who are at risk of using violence.

Aviva provides support that is led by you. We work alongside you to recognise and respond to harmful behaviors. By learning and practicing healthy boundaries, you can proactively manage your wellbeing, your right and responsibility to be safe, and build healthy relationships.

For children aged between 5 and 12, our Tamariki Services are available to support.

Is family violence affecting me?

Do you recognise yourself, or someone you care about, in any of the following questions?

  • Is someone in your life using violence, or the threat of violence, against you or those you care about?
  • Do you, or does someone you know, use controlling behaviours?
    • Suspicion of phone calls, texts, emails, friends or family
    • Becoming jealous
    • Trying to control who other people see and where they go
    • Controlling access to money and how it is spent
    • Being isolated from friends or family
  • Are you, or is someone you know, being emotionally abusive?
    • Using put-downs or name-calling
    • Making the other person feel useless
    • Showing little or no regard for the other person’s thoughts or feelings
  • Are you, or is someone you know, sometimes forced, intimidated or pressured into sexual activity?
  • Are you, or is someone you know, being psychologically abusive?
    • Using intimidating and threatening behaviour
    • Playing mind games
    • Causing fear
  • Do you become angry easily and take it out on others?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, now is a good time to reach out.

How can Aviva support me?

Our Rangatahi Education Programme, He Pito Mata, offers education and support for young people aged 13-18.

You will be supported to:

  • Develop your own plans to stay safe
  • Learn about healthy relationships
  • Build your self-confidence
  • Have positive, trusting experiences with others
  • Find appropriate ways to deal with anger
  • Learn what to do when you recognise abuse
  • Know where to get support that works for you

Support can be delivered individually or in a 10-week group education setting during school terms.

Where can I access support?

Support is available in Christchurch, Selwyn, Ashburton and North Canterbury. Assistance with transport may also be available.

Contact us or make a referral

  • Call us on (03) 378 3847 or 0800 AVIVA NOW (0800 28482 669) - 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for people in Canterbury
  • Email enquiries@aviva.org.nz (this inbox is checked Monday-Friday, 9-5)
  • If you are a social service or other referring agency, please complete a referral form and forward to Aviva by email