Living without violence

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 277, 7 March 1989, Page 4

Living without violence

A group of Raetihi men have organised themselves to try to help others to learn to live without violence. The men meet each Tuesday at 7.30pm at one of the group members' homes to discuss the causes and possible alternatives for men who have a problem with violence. Aims of the group include providing a place where people are able to openly discuss the problem with the trust of the other members, says Jim Lyons, one of the organisers. He says many people don't even realise violence is a problem for themselves and their families in their own homes. They hope to discuss what is violence, why men use violence, and how violence affects a man's partner and children. Following th^t they hope to help men find other ways to steer their anger, rather than let it turn to violence. Jim said the simplest example of a way to get rid of anger before letting it turn to violence is to go for a long walk or work in

the g arden before returning to discuss the problem that caused the anger. Contacts for the

group are Peter Phillips 54 571, Jim Corbett 54 211, Keith Haitana 54 606, and Jim Lyons 54 522.