We are a leading national provider of culturally specialist domestic/family violence intervention and prevention services for Asian, African and Middle Eastern women victims and their children in Aotearoa New Zealand
Shakti turns 30!
We marked our 30th year of service to communities on October 22, 2025 with a national event held in Parliament, followed by regional celebrations over the week. At the national event, a book that documents Shakti’s journey over three decades --- OurStory --- was released.
24/7 crisis line
Shakti Crisis Line is a national toll-free confidential 24/7 support service for migrant and refugee women facing domestic violence. This service is provided in several Asian, Middle Eastern and African languages besides English
Safe housing
We provide five culturally appropriate safehouses across Aotearoa. Each safehouse respects and accommodates diverse cultures and religions, creating a safe and affirming environment for all.
Advocacy support
We assist clients in navigating essential services such as WINZ, healthcare, transport, and housing. Our advocacy helps clients understand and access New Zealand’s systems, laws, and policies with confidence.
Counselling
In partnership with Shakti Community Council Inc., we offer free counselling sessions. These are delivered by professionals who understand the layered impact of domestic violence within ethnic communities. Shakti also provides MOJ-approved Safety Programme Services to women and children.
Life skills programme
Through collaboration with the Sustainable Development Education, Training and Advisory Trust, we offer free programmes that help clients gain NZ-based work experience, become job-ready, understand local laws and rights, and develop CVs and learn English.
Community risk management
We run a 72-week programme designed to support clients in reintegrating into the community with greater confidence and safety. This long-term support helps build resilience and independence.
What we do
Shakti offers specialist services focused on awareness, prevention, and intervention for survivors of domestic violence from Asian, Middle Eastern, and African backgrounds.
We are proud to be Aotearoa’s leading ethnic specialist service in this field.
Each year, we support thousands of families from diverse ethnic communities, including: Chinese, Indian, Thai, Japanese, Malay, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Burmese, Korean, Indian, Fiji Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Iranian, Iraqi, African. Over the years, we worked with over 42 ethnic languages.
Our strength lies in providing culturally appropriate services- by ethnic women, for ethnic women.
Since we began, we have worked tirelessly to create a safe, empowering environment where survivors of domestic violence are supported in a non-judgmental way. We help women build new futures for themselves and their children. free from violence, fear and full of strength.
Follow our journey
Shakti has been a voice for migrant and refugee women in Aotearoa for nearly 30 years. On Instagram, we share stories of strength, safety, and community – alongside updates on how you can support our mission. Join us there and be part of the movement for a future free from violence.
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If you are a migrant or refugee woman experiencing domestic violence, abuse, or fear in your home, you are not alone.
Shakti Women’s Refuge Trust provides 24/7 confidential support, safe housing, and practical help for women and children of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern backgrounds across New Zealand.
Contact
If your life is in immediate danger please call 111.
OR call us on our 24/7 multi lingual crisis-line 0800SHAKTI (0800742584)
OR email: crisisline@shakti.org.nz
If not urgent, please use our contact list below and we will try our best to get back to you as soon as possible.
