Chch women set up watch groups

Press, 5 July 1983, Page 8

Chch women set up watch groups

Physical attacks against women may be lessened in Christchurch with the setting up of neighbourhood watch groups and telephone networks. A public meeting called by the Christchurch Y.W.C.A. last evening to

discuss the proposal was met with enthusiasm by about 160 people. The executive director of the Y.W.C.A., Mrs Anne Evans, said the meeting was a great success. The meeting followed up similar ones held in Auckland recently, prompted by

an attack on a St Mary’s Bay woman, which resulted in neighbourhood groups being set up in several suburbs.

Last evening’s meeting resulted in five groups being formed in Christchurch, and at least 18 women volunteering to be organisers, said Mrs Evans.

“It has ended on a positive note. I don’t think we will need to hold another meeting because this one has achieved the objectives, that is, to set up these groups and arouse the public to do something,” she said.

Mrs Evans said an application would be made to the Labour Department today for a Project Employment Programme worker to coordinate and establish the watch groups. “We hope the P.E.P. worker will cement the project and at the end of the six-month period the groups should still be working voluntarily,” she said. After going through the application procedures, Mrs Evans hopes the groups will come into effect in about six weeks.

The meeting included talks by a crime-prevention officer of the Christchurch police, a worker from the Rape Crisis Centre in Christchurch, and self-de-

fence instructors. Women were advised on safety locks for the home, and ways to cope with violence, and were given statistical information on rape, and shown devices which could help in cases of attack.

Mrs Evans said that anyone wanting more information about the neighbourhood watch groups should approach the Y.W.C.A. office in Bealey Avenue.