Staff Reporter
info@indiannewslink.co.nz
Following the success of its activities in Mt Roskill and in response to the growing demand for its services, ‘Roopa Aur Aap Charitable Trust’ (RAA) has established its presence in South Auckland.
Launched on July 31, 2017 at 2 Sutton Crescent in Papatoetoe, the branch will initially function as a satellite facility with the RAA team available for counselling and other services every Tuesday.
Operating in partnership with the Women Care Trust, a charitable organisation established in 2014 to provide free support to Indian Women and new migrants, RAA will add a new dimension of its service to the victims of family violence and abuse of children and the elderly living with families in their homes.
Experience and expertise
In effect, RAA will bring its experience and expertise to the people of South Asian origin, Fiji and other countries, offerings its counselling, administrative and other services. Working with the Police and other law enforcing authorities, the Organisation will promote the concept of safer homes and zero tolerance towards perpetrators of violence,
RAA Chief Executive Roopa Suchdev said that the South Asian communities residing in South Auckland require family support services to end the cycle of violence that victimises women, children and the elderly at home.
Helping women
“People should not suffer in silence. New Zealand is a progressive country where ill-treatment of women including physical, verbal and psychological offence is punishable in a court of law. Women, children and elders should not consider themselves vulnerable. RAA works not only to bring them justice but also ensure that they live in peace and harmony, raising their children well,” she said.
Ms Suchdev said that the approach of her Organisation to empower and develop the weaker and needy sections of the community and ensure that they are bonded through love and understanding.
“The Organisation is a leading South Asia Community based Family Violence Inter-Agency Response System (FVIARS) that conducts workshops in collaboration with other associations connected with the concerned communities. We are privileged to have the support of the Auckland Council,” Ms Suchdev said.
New Piot Project
The New Zealand Police is currently testing a new scheme called, Integrated Safety Response, under implementation as a pilot scheme in Christchurch and Waikato.
The Pilot Scheme will ensure that core agencies including the Police, Child, Youth and Family, Corrections Department, Health, Specialist Family Violence NGOs (such as RAA) and Kaupapa Maori Services work as a team.
As a member of the Pasifika and Ethnic Combined Advisory Board of the Northshore Police, Ms Suchdev is also in contact with the Police (although in a different district) which would have a bearing on her efficient provision of community service.
Welfare Care Trust Founder Baljit Dheil said that the Papatoetoe Indian community has growing incidence of family violence and family disputes, the resolution of which is important for improving safety at home and in the community.
“We hope that the opening of RAA, although only one day in the week, will help mitigate the growing menace. Our Trust is happy to engage with Ms Suchdev to achieve the objective,” she said.
Photo Caption:
Roopa Suchdev speaking at the opening of the Satellite branch of the Roopa Aur Aap in Papatoetoe, South Auckland.
