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Relationship crusader has sobering message


Lesley Elliott event Mgto copy-3Since 22 year-old Sophie Elliott was murdered by her ex boyfriend in 2008, around 100 women have been killed by their family members in New Zealand. This is a horrendous figure and something that the Sophie Elliott Foundation is working hard to turn around. 

Lesley Elliott, mother of Sophie and founder of the Foundation, was greeted to a warm reception at two events in Maungaturoto recently. She spoke to 150 people – teenagers, parents, grandparents, staff and community members – at Otamatea High School at an evening event. 

Lesley described the warning signs that she and her daughter Sophie missed in the relationship, particularly of psychological abuse. 

The following morning she spoke at a workshop for professionals from health, education, social services and police to discuss what else could be done in the local area to prevent family violence and to help young people understand the qualities of positive healthy relationships.

Lesley’s visit was sponsored by Rural Women NZ and the Ministry of Social Development It’s Not Ok campaign. Local organiser Libby Jones was very pleased with the turnout and the discussions that have started in the area. 

“As with other areas of health and wellbeing, prevention is always better than cure,” says Libby.

Lesley and her manager Bill O’Brien (an ex police officer and joint author of the book Loves Me Not) have spoken at around 50 such events throughout New Zealand in the last year. They also oversee a programme for senior students in schools run by the police called Loves Me Not, based on the book, to raise awareness with the students. 

“As a result of Lesley’s visit,” says Libby, “the plan is now to run the awareness programme in our local high schools.”

Young people, both male and female, armed with the knowledge of what to expect in healthy relationships, and a community willing to support the It’s Not Ok message, will start to turn these statistics around, she says. 

A big thanks to all who were involved in organising these events.

n sophieelliottfoundation.co.nz 

OUTSPOKEN: Lesley Elliott (third from right) with organiser Libby Jones at an Otamatea High School presentation evening.
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