Mēnā kei te mōrea tō oranga, waea atu ki ngā Pirihimana 111. If you are in imminent danger, call Police on 111. Call 0800 REFUGE for the 24/7 Crisis Line
Office closed for Otago anniversary day
We will be back on the 25th May 9am.
Ōtepoti-Dunedin
Whānau Refuge
ŌDWR INFO
Across Aotearoa, far too many women, tamariki, and whānau continue to live with the impacts of family violence, often in silence and isolation. This reality reinforces the importance of our kaupapa and the work we do every day. Through advocacy, support, and walking alongside whānau, we strive to create pathways to safety, healing, and self-determination, while contributing to the collective effort to break cycles of violence for future generations.
Ōtepoti Dunedin Whānau Refuge (ŌDWR) provides a free, confidential, specialist whole-of-whānau response to family and whānau violence. Our approach recognises that sustainable change requires appropriate and distinct pathways of support for wāhine, tamariki, rangatahi and tāne, while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of victim-survivors and tamariki remain paramount.
At the heart of our mahi is our specialist advocacy and support for wāhine experiencing family and whānau violence. Wāhine can access 24/7 crisis response, specialist family violence advocacy, comprehensive risk assessment and safety planning, 24/7 personal safety alarms, Whānau Protect, court and agency navigation, practical and emotional support, referrals and ongoing community-based advocacy.
Our advocates councellors social workers and specialist practitionerswork alongside wāhine to understand their individual circumstances, strengthen safety, navigate complex systems and services, reduce barriers to support, and uphold their voice, choices and Tino Rangatiratanga.
Our whole-of-whānau programme model brings together Wāhine Kaha, Kōkihi Ngā Rito – Tamariki & Rangatahi Programmes and Services, and ŌDWR behaviour change space for Tāne - Tu Tāne Tu. These programmes complement our specialist wāhine advocacy and crisis services, providing dedicated pathways for healing, empowerment, early intervention and sustainable behaviour change.
Our programmes and services provide free, confidential and supportive spaces where wāhine, tamariki, rangatahi and tāne can access specialist support appropriate to their individual experiences and needs.
Through specialist advocacy, one-to-one support, group programmes and education-based interventions, our experienced practitioners and facilitators work alongside people to strengthen safety, understand the impacts and patterns of family violence, build practical skills, strengthen healthy and respectful relationships, and support meaningful and sustainable change.
Designer Fashion Clothing Sale
Find quality pieces at a fraction of the usual price. Our Designer Fashion Sale brings together a range of clothing so you can refresh your wardrobe while supporting the club.
Quiz Night
A relaxed night of trivia, laughs, and a bit of friendly competition. Bring a team or join one on the night and see how you stack up.
Bake Sale
A table full of homemade baking, sweet treats, and a few favourites you will want to come back for. Pop in, grab something good, and support the community.
Annual Action
One of the key events on our calendar, bringing people together for a shared cause. It is all about connection, community, and making a meaningful impact.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Ōtepoti Dunedin Whānau Refuge Fundraising Committee is made up of University of Otago law students who each year organise and deliver a series of fundraising events. Their commitment, energy, and generosity play a vital role in supporting our kaupapa and the whānau we serve.
ACC Sensitive Claims Service
Ōtepoti Dunedin Whānau Refuge provides specialised, trauma-informed support for survivors of sexual harm through our ACC Sensitive Claims Service. Our approach is grounded in Te Ao Māori, holistic wellness and whānau-centred practice, ensuring every person is met with safety, dignity and respect.
We work with survivors of all ages to help them access the therapeutic care they are entitled to. This includes support with navigating the ACC process, connecting with registered therapists, and receiving ongoing advocacy throughout their healing journey.
Our team walks alongside each person, offering compassionate guidance, cultural understanding and practical support as they rebuild confidence, identity and wellbeing.
