Supporting safer, stronger Pacific families and communities
Catholic Social Services supports many Pacific families experiencing violence associated with unemployment, financial hardship, drug and alcohol abuse, as well as historical, cultural, and traditional biblical views on society and discipline.
Drawing on her extensive knowledge and experience working in the community, Sister Cabrini Ofa Makasiale developed the Pacific Living Without Violence programme specifically for Pacific communities.
About Sister Cabrini
Sister Cabrini Ofa Makasiale is a Registered Psychotherapist and staff member of Catholic Social Services. Fijian-born and Tongan, from the island of Lau, she now lives in a community of Catholic Sisters in Auckland.
Cabrini is also a New Zealand-trained teacher and holds tertiary qualifications in counselling, psychotherapy, spirituality, theology, and group facilitation. She has a particular passion for fostering leadership among Pasifika peoples, especially women, in the "Pasifika Way", adapted to the Aotearoa New Zealand context.
Cabrini is the programme's lead facilitator and trainer.
Concepts underpinning the programme
Pacific Living Without Violence is grounded in the belief that thriving communities depend on the wellbeing and development of the people who live within them. The programme promotes:
- Loving and safe environments
- The ability to love and receive love
- Respect for all religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds
- The understanding that choosing to love and receive love helps create a safe environment for families
- Positive changes in social norms, attitudes, and behaviours that enhance quality of life
Interested in the programme?
If you're interested in taking part in a Pacific Living Without Violence course or would like more information, we'd love to hear from you.
Phone: 09 265 0841
Email: [email protected]
Family violence
Family violence is an issue that goes beyond our personal views. As a committed Catholic community, we must respond appropriately and with compassion.
Our Catholic faith says clearly that there is no place for family violence. Families need to be free from violence to be loving, healthy, and strong. Living together in love, without violence, is at the heart of the Gospel.
Catholic Social Services has worked with many families where violence has occurred. In recent years, we have worked closely with church groups to prevent family violence. We see this as working with parishes and other church communities to build fences at the top of the cliff, so fewer people live in fear or are hurt or killed.
We are committed to supporting parishes and other church communities to become places of safety where families can live without violence.
Workshops
We offer workshops for parishes, church communities, and other groups to help prevent family violence. Workshops provide information about violence within families and guidance on how to respond if you are concerned about a family.
Workshops can be tailored to the particular needs of each community and are available to parishes, church communities, deaneries, interest groups, and other groups within the Diocese.
What you need to know
Family violence has far-reaching effects on individuals, families, communities, and future generations. We are all affected by family violence, whether we are directly involved or not.
Family violence is a concern when you don't feel safe in your own home with the people who should care about you most.
Family violence can take many forms, including:
- One partner is physically and/or emotionally abusive towards their partner or former partner
- Parents or caregivers physically and/or emotionally harm their children
- Children are involved in or witness acts of physical or emotional abuse
- Older family members experience violence from younger family members
Need help now?
If you or your child are in immediate danger, call 111.
For other support, contact Catholic Social Services Auckland on (09) 378 9650, Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm.