Publications

Service Brochures

General Brochure

a blonde boy on the front page of Aviva's General brochure 
General Brochure [PDF 171 KB]
(updated April 2025)

 

Service Brochures

 

Educational Programme Brochures

Annual Reports

2021-present

a young girl looking upward and smiling
2020/21 Annual Report [PDF 910 KB]

 

2009 - 2020

Newsletters

Would you like to join our mailing list? If you would like to receive an electronic newsletter you can sign up here. If you would prefer to receive a hard copy of the newsletter, please contact us here with your postal address.

 

2021-present

 

2009-2020

Government Submissions

Aviva Submission on Definitions of Woman and Man Amendment Bill

Submission Date: 29 June 2026

We oppose this bill in its entirety and urge the committee to recommend it not proceed.

As a specialist family violence and sexual violence charity, we know that trans people, especially trans women, are more likely to be victims of violence. This is already the case, and this legislation is almost certain to worsen the problem. As well as emboldening those who already use violence towards transgender individuals, it is likely to make help-seeking even more difficult. When the state itself misgenders trans people in law, every downstream institution follows: government forms, the legal system, the health system, schools.

Read Aviva's full submission on the Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill on Aviva's Blog or download a PDF copy [PDF, 92 KB].

Learn more about the Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill from New Zealand Parliament.

 

Aviva Submission on Deepfake Digital Harm and Exploitation Bill

Submission Date: 19 June 2026

Aviva supports this Bill and we want it to succeed, which is why we are submitting amendments rather than opposition. Deepfake intimate imagery is image-based sexual abuse, and approximately 98% of deepfakes online are pornographic and target women.

The committee can substantially strengthen the Bill by adopting the changes described below. The amendments we propose below are the ones consistently called for by Cassandra Mudgway at Canterbury; Andrew Lensen at Victoria; Netsafe; the Privacy Foundation NZ; and the Equal Justice Project. They are:

  • lower prosecution thresholds
  • stronger platform obligations
  • and supply-side regulation of the tools that make it too easy and inexpensive to create deepfakes

Read Aviva's full submission on the Deepfake Digital Harm and Exploitation Bill on Aviva's Blog or download a PDF copy [PDF, 78 KB].

Learn more about the Deepfake Digital Harm and Exploitation Bill from New Zealand Parliament.

 

Aviva Submission on Stalking and Harassment Bill

Submission Date: 12 February 2025

Bill Status: Royal Assent, 26 November 2025

Aviva supports the Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill.

The amendments offered in the Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill align well with Aviva’s kaupapa to eradicate violence. Our agreement for the amendments echoes others within our sector and is strongly influenced by our engagement in this sector over the last 50+ years. We support the definitions laid out and, in particular, the recognition that stalking can also involve third parties.

However, we recommend expanding the definition of stalking further, to include third parties beyond immediate whānau, and strengthening the definition by aligning the number of acts and timeframe with international standards.

Furthermore, we highlight the importance of legislation which places victims’ consent and physical and psychological safety at the centre. We therefore believe those charged with stalking/harassment be prohibited from firearms possession, and that this Bill be amended to include Victims’ Rights Act.

Read Aviva's full submission on the Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill on Aviva's Blog or download a PDF copy [PDF, 199 KB].

Read more about what the passing of this legislation means on Aviva's blog.

Learn more about the Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill from New Zealand Parliament.

 

Aviva Submission on Survivors of Sexual Violence Bill

Submission Date: 23 January 2025

Bill Status: Royal Assent, 30 June 2025

Aviva supports this Bill.

The correlation between Aviva’s two core services, Family Violence and Sexual Violence continues to show us that there is incredible intersection between the two areas of harm, greatly affected community wide. Our interaction with all from within the community offers us insight and data to support the critical need to ensure that legislation provides those who have experienced violence (victims) absolute surety as they journey through what can be a long and arduous process.

The amendments offered in this bill align well with Aviva’s kaupapa to eradicate violence, specifically, in this case, sexual violence. They are both child centred and victim centred. We highlight the importance of legislation which enables victims to make informed choices, through access to clear, age appropriate, information. We also urge that the bill extend its protections to all mokopuna aged up to 16 years old.

Read Aviva's full submission on the Survivors of Victims of Sexual Violence Bill on Aviva's Blog or download a PDF copy [PDF, 231 KB].

Read Aviva's follow up on the bill's passing on Aviva's Blog.

Learn more about the Victims of Sexual Violence (Strengthening Legal Protections) Legislation Bill from New Zealand Parliament.

 

Aviva Submission on Regulatory Standards Bill

Submission Date: 14 January 2025

Bill Status: Royal Assent, 18 November 2025

Aviva strongly opposes this bill.

We strongly urge the government to reject this Bill and any other legislation that threatens our democracy, undermines Te Tiriti, and jeopardises the well-being of our people and our planet.

Read Aviva's full submission on the Regulatory Standards Bill on Aviva's Blog.

Learn more about the Regulatory Standards Bill from New Zealand Parliament.

 

Aviva Submission on the Social Security Amendment Bill

Submission Date: 10 January 2025

Bill Status: Royal Assent, 21 May 2025

Aviva strongly opposes this bill.

The Bill appears to assume that that people on benefits are so because they want to be, or because of a lack of motivation. In our experience, people are very reluctant to ask for and accept help. Many people we support did not expect to find themselves in this situation; they have never use ‘the system’ before, and as such so are already disadvantaged in knowing how to access support.

We recommend that, when making any policy, the Government starts from a place of ensuring all Kiwis’ absolute human rights are met. This means that everyone can afford safe housing, power and food and access to medical supports. Nobody can begin to improve their situation if they are struggling just to survive.

Read Aviva's full submission on the Social Security Amendment Bill on Aviva's Blog or download a PDF copy [PDF, 183 KB].

Learn more about the Social Security Amendment Bill from New Zealand Parliament.

 

Aviva Submission on the Treaty Principles Bill

Submission Date: 7 January 2025

Bill Status: Terminated, 10 April 2025

Aviva strongly opposes the Treaty Principles Bill.

The bill emphasises equality. Currently, Māori people have poorer outcomes in health, economics, education, and just about every measure of wellbeing. This is the impact of colonisation. It is the same in every colonised country where the indigenous people have been subjugated. While the Waitangi Tribunal has made positive strides in beginning to break the cycles of harm perpetuated by the Crown on Māori, we have not yet restored the balance. Te Tiriti and its current principles offer us a pathway forward. However, this Bill, if passed in its current form, will do more than set us back.

Aotearoa New Zealand has very real and significant challenges. Our rates of family and sexual violence and child abuse are a national shame. Far from addressing these issues, this Bill not only uses resources which could be put towards them, but – if passed – risks worsening them.

Read Aviva's full submission on the Treaty Principles Bill on Aviva's Blog or download a PDF copy [PDF, 331 KB].

Learn more about the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill from New Zealand Parliament.

 

Petition to Government to Support Survivors of Image-Based Sexual Abuse in Accessing ACC Funded Counselling

Petition Closed: 27 August 2021

Image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) is defined as the non-consensual sharing of private sexual materials, or threat of doing so. This may be done with intent to cause distress but is largely motivated by a desire for power and control. You may be more familiar with the term “revenge-porn”, which is the non-consensual sharing of explicit images or videos of another person (often an ex-partner), to “get back at them”.

Research indicates that the impacts on the victim-survivor of IBSA are similar to that experienced by victim-survivors of physical sexual assault. PTSD, depression and anxiety are commonly experienced by victim-survivors, as well as a sense of shame and low self-confidence/self-esteem. They may start to see the world as an unsafe place, wondering who has seen their very intimate images and who they can still trust.

This is not an issue that is going to just “go away” and has led to an Aviva kaimahi starting a petition for the Government to amend the Accident Compensation Act 2001 to include sensitive claim cover for “mental injury” caused by image-based sexual abuse.

Read more about the petition on Aviva's Blog.

 

Aviva's Response to Tenancy Reform as part of the Residential Tenancies Act 2020

Date posted: 11 February 2021

On 11 February 2021, Phase 2 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2020 came into effect, offering the first major tenancy reform in New Zealand in 36 years. The Act includes a section allowing those experiencing family violence to withdraw from tenancy with only two days’ notice

Housing insecurity and family violence have always been inextricably linked. Aviva profoundly felt the effects of this after the Christchurch Earthquake in 2011, when the loss of housing and security for many led to increased rates of family violence and greater demand for support. Even a decade on, we still see a significant percentage of our client base come to us with interconnected housing issues.

Read more on Aviva's response to the Family Violence Clause on Aviva's Blog.

Learn more about Withdrawal from a tenancy following family violence from Tenancy Services.

 

Aviva Letter to Parliament on Stalling of Sexual Legislation Bill 2020

Submission Date: 7 June 2020

Bill Status: Not progressed to second reading

Aviva was saddened to hear the Sexual Violence Legislation Bill has not progressed to its second reading in parliament due to the criticism of a few lobbyists. As an organization working to combat the effects and trauma of sexual violence, we urge you to reconsider the positive impact this bill would have for those who have experienced sexual harm.

If we do not address the existing problems within our justice system and its re-traumatisation of those who go through it, we cannot expect to address the issue of sexual violence in this country. Without a change such as the ones proposed in this bill, people will continue to feel unsafe testifying and the low reporting rates for sexual violence will remain unchanged, while those committing sexual violence will continue to evade justice and essentially be given permission to continue causing sexual harm. Without your intervention the cycle of violence will continue.

Read Aviva's response to the stalling of the Sexual Violence Legislation Bill on Aviva's Blog.

Learn more about the Sexual Violence Legislation Bill from New Zealand Parliament.

 

Aviva Response to the Domestic Violence Victims Protection Act and Family Violence Leave

Date posted: 28 November 2019

Bill Status: Royal Assent, April 2019

As of April 2019, the New Zealand Government has adopted the Domestic Violence Victims’ Protection Act in response to the country’s staggering family violence statistics. This act has been praised by news media and family violence agencies alike, but what does it actually mean for employers and their employees affected by violence?

Read Aviva's response to the bill on Aviva's Blog.

Learn more about Family Violence Leave from New Zealand Government.

Research Projects

Aviva Sexual Violence Youth Service Project

In March 2020, Aviva's Sexual Assault Support Service Canterbury (SASSC) team received funding from the Vodafone Foundation to commission two pieces of work to better understand and respond to the needs of youth who have experienced sexual assault.

These were completed in November 2021. This included an academic research project including a literature review and primary research to establish what constitutes international best practice, and a co-design project to engage Aviva staff and clients to capture and better understand the present and past experiences of youth engaged in sexual harm support services. The latter being aspirational in nature in terms of what a future service specifically catering to youth could look like.

animated pictures of a diverse group of young people
Full co-design report, March 2020 [PDF 665 KB]

 

Aviva Youth Service Evaluation

In October 2016, with support from the Wayne Francis Charitable Trust, the Aviva Youth Service began supporting people aged 12-25 who had experienced and/or used family violence. The service aimed to increase safety, build self-esteem, improve mental health and, ultimately, break the intergenerational cycle of violence. After delivering the service to 113 young Cantabrians over two years, we are pleased to share how the service has built hope, a sense of identity and brighter futures for young people in our community.

looking up at the sky through the trees
Aviva Youth Service Evaluation Report, October 2016 [PDF 1977 KB]

 

Aviva Peer Support Evaluation

In July 2016 tertiary students Holly Richardson and Lara Moses undertook an evaluation of Aviva's Purposeful Peer Support, four years into its operation.

Purposeful Peer Support findings, July 2016 [PDF 875 KB]

 

Aviva Sexual Assault Support Service Canterbury (SASSC) - Research to Inform Service Design

Sexual Assault Support Service Canterbury (SASSC) Aviva, in partnership with START, has been operating the SASSC service since July 2014. This research project - Sexual Assault Support Service Canterbury - Research to Inform Service Design - was undertaken to inform the optimal model for development, growth and adaptation of this service for those who have acute and/or historic experiences of sexual violence.  

Sexual Assault Support Service Canterbury - Research to Inform Service Design report, July 2014 [PDF 2.9 MB]

 

ReachOut Evaluation

ReachOut was first launched in April 2012 as a new response to men who had used violence or abusive tactics against those closest to them. The service was developed using Police Incident Reports of family violence as a key pathway through which to reach out to men and offer support to change.

Evaluation for the first 18 months of ReachOut service development, April 2014 [PDF 1860 KB]

 

Men's Accommodation

In May 2012, Aviva implemented its community outreach service (ReachOut) for men using violence. In keeping with its philosophy of evidence-based practice, Aviva applied to the Department of Internal Affairs’ 2012 Community Internship Programme for funding to explore models of alternative accommodation support for men using family violence.

Models of Alternative Accommodation Support for Men Using Family Violence, 2015 [PDF 946 KB]

 

Women Moving Away from Violence

The research project 'Women Moving Away From Violence - Planning It, Doing It' explores the factors which contribute to women’s decisions to walk away from the violence within their relationships. 

The research explores what is known about the context of violence and abuse as experienced by women and determines what it is that contributes to the development of their skills and strategies as they seek healthy outcomes for themselves and their children. The research will be useful to inform policy makers and to develop guidelines for service providers and practitioners that will enable a more appropriate and effective response to women’s experience of family violence.

Aviva (formerly Christchurch Women’s Refuge) and Family Help Trust worked with Te Awatea Violence Research Centre on this project. Our thanks to the women who volunteered their stories so that others could learn from their experience. The interviews were carried out by Yvonne Crighton-Hill, a lecturer in the Department of Social Work at The University of Canterbury. The research project was funded by the Department of Internal Affairs (Lotteries Commission).

'Women Moving Away From Violence - Planning It, Doing It' final report [PDF 1337 KB]

 

Specialist Peer Support

Read the report on our research with women and men who have overcome family violence and their views on developing a specialist peer support service.

Specialist Peer Support: Reframing The Journey From Lived Experience of Domestic Violence [PDF 6.7 MB] - Results from research conducted 2011-2012 by Dr Lesley Campbell, University of Canterbury, on behalf of Aviva - April 2012.

The Journal of Te Awatea Violence Research Centre in 2012; 'Peer Support: Reframing the Journey from Lived Experience of Domestic Violence' [PDF 326 KB] (Dr Lesley Campbell and Claire Gray with Beryl Brogden (Aviva Social Inclusion Manager)