In a bid to address and prevent domestic violence in the Cook Islands, the Police Service yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with counselling service providers Punanga Tauturu Inc (PTI) and Te Punanga Ora’anga Matutu (Te POM).

From the 11 domestic violence incidents reported last month, five included physical assault, Police revealed at the signing of the MoU yesterday.

Police spokesman Trevor Pitt says the figures are lower than last year where 28 domestic violence cases were reported and nine involving physical assault.

However Pitt said “nothing should be read into this drop just yet” because domestic violence trends have been elusive to analyse. 

“Over the past years the figures have remained high so time will tell in terms of the current preventative efforts.”

The preventative framework around domestic violence was reinforced through the signing of the MoU, Pitt said.

Police Commissioner TJ Keenan with Te Punanga Ora’anga Matutu’s coordinator Daryl Gregory. MELINA ETCHES / 23051113

He said the formal arrangements with PTI and Te POM have been in the works for some time, following the lapse of their preview agreement with PTI in 2015.

Daryl Gregory, the coordinator of Te POM, thanked Police and said they were happy to sign the MoU.

Gregory, who is from New Zealand, came to Rarotonga as a volunteer to assist Te POM, a men’s counselling service dedicated to supporting and solving domestic problems affecting men and their families.

“We have been working on this over the last six months. Now we look forward to the future, working together and stopping violence against women and children throughout the Cook Islands.”

PTI chair Mata Hetland said they were happy to see the MoU come to fruition.

Police Commissioner TJ Keenan with Punanga Tauturu Inc (PTI) chair Mata Hetland. MELINA ETCHES / 23051114

“We have been working on this for five to six years, it’s all legal now and we are here to help those who are in need.”

PTI coordinator Rebeka Buchanan said the MoU would see clients or those in need for counselling referred to them first rather than at a later stage.

Buchanan added those in need of their service need to see there are support services provided.

“Now we can just work forward, work on families and address issues of domestic violence,” she added.

Pitt said all the parties are enthusiastic about the fresh start and ready to take cooperative steps ahead.

Senior sergeant Rebecca Hosking leads the Family Unit for Police Prevention Division, and her efforts will spearhead the strengthened framework of cooperation with the non-government agencies, as well the ongoing partnerships with Ministry of Internal Affairs and Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health.

For more information on Te POM visit their website at www.tepom.co.ck or phone +682-74811 and on Punanga Tauturu Inc you can call on: +682-21 133