Vineeta Rao
Auckland, July 2, 2025
Age Concern Auckland has announced the appointment of Jyoti Parashar as the lead for its South Asian Family and Sexual Violence (FVSV) Prevention Project, an initiative funded by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) under the Ethnic Communities Violence Prevention (ECVP) programme to address abuse and violence in one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing yet underserved communities.
The ECVP programme is part of the country’s national plan to end family and sexual violence. One of its key goals, outlined in Te Aorerekura, is to create prevention programmes that are tailored for ethnic communities.
Age Concern Auckland CEO Kevin Lamb made the announcement at an event held at the New Lynn Community Center, marking the launch of the new initiative and commemorating community participants and supporters. “I am pleased to announce that Jyoti will continue to lead this work. Her leadership over the past year has been outstanding, and I am excited for what lies ahead,” he said.
Lamb also commended Aatir Zaidi, the social connections manager, Shalini Gulani, the volunteer and social connections administrator and entire team at Age Concern Auckland who collaborated closely with community leaders during the trial “They have helped shape our thinking and understanding when it comes to issues facing the south Asian community and shaping culturally safe and effective responses to elder abuse within south Asian households,” he said, adding that community partnerships remain key when delivering real support and services.
The launch was attended by key stakeholders, including Samira Ghoreishi Senior Advisor for Ethnic Communities Violence Prevention at the Ministry of Social Development, Jennifer Janif, Senior Advisor for E Tū Whānau (Refugee & Migrant), the ethnic wing of New Zealand Police, Auckland Council, Whau Local Board, District Health Board and representatives of various south Asian organisations who were collaborators on the project. The Indian consul Sanjeev Kumar was also present.
“What began as a small initiative has grown into a powerful platform for unheard voices. The level of community engagement, the openness from our elders, and the trust we were able to build – these outcomes have been incredibly encouraging,” said Jyoti in an interview with Indian Newslink, adding “The trial reaffirmed that when we approach sensitive issues like elder abuse with cultural understanding, empathy, and respect, real change is possible.”
The initiative, which launched in November 2024, focuses on breaking the silence around family and sexual violence in South Asian communities, where stigma, language barriers, and dependence on family structures often prevent victims, particularly elders and women, from seeking help.
Jyoti Parashar played a key role during the project’s co-design and testing phases, facilitating focus groups in multiple languages and building trust across a diverse group of participants from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Fiji.
With a background in community development, cross-cultural engagement, and advocacy for ethnic seniors, Parashar brings deep cultural insight and years of experience in social work to the role. Jyoti’s stellar work in the community earned her a King’s Service Medal (KSM) this year (New Year Honours List).
In her new role, she will oversee implementation, expand the project’s reach into new regions, and support the development of trusted community leaders equipped to identify and respond to abuse.
“This is about cultural dignity, awareness, and safety,” said Parashar. “Too many in our communities suffer in silence. We are here to change that, through shared stories, trusted voices, and real action.”
She has a clear vision for the road ahead and plans on deepening community engagement through more targeted awareness initiatives, strengthening social connections for seniors and making support services culturally accessible.
“We plan to expand awareness initiatives in multiple languages, collaborate with ethnic organisations, train community champions, and strengthen support pathways that feel safe and respectful for our elders,” she says with a big smile.
“We also plan to run educational workshops, outreach events in community languages, and strengthen partnerships with ethnic organisations to ensure older people feel seen, heard, and supported,” adds Jyoti, proclaiming her goal to reducing isolation by creating a supportive, culturally sensitive team that helps South Asian seniors live with dignity and respect.
Vineeta Rao is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Auckland.
