Counties Manukau acknowledge and respond to family violence as a health issue. The goal of the Violence Intervention Programme (VIP) is to reduce the harm of family violence by implementing early intervention programmes in health services. The Ministry of Health’s Violence Intervention Programme in Te Whatu Ora seeks to reduce and prevent the health impacts of family violence (family harm, and child abuse and neglect) through early identification, assessment and referral for those experiencing violence and harm who present to health services.
The Counties Manukau Violence Intervention Programme Team are based within Middlemore Hospital. The VIP Team provide education and training to staff members regarding brief intervention for violence and harm, that align with Te Whatu Ora policy and procedure. The team equips frontline staff to recognise and provide appropriate response and support to people experiencing family violence. In addition, they promote networking and information sharing among domestic violence agencies, ensuring an effective multi-agency response to family violence.