By Alison Harley
The father of murdered teenager Emily Longley says New Zealanders tolerate too much domestic violence and that has to change.
He's not just talking about the people who are physically aggressive. He says others have to share some of the burden.
Hundreds filed through the streets of Hastings to campaign against the sort of violence that cost the Longley family their 18-year-old daughter, Emily.
“If what I say stops one person going through what Emily and countless other women have gone through, it will be worth it,” says Mark Longley.
The marchers say there's no excuse for anyone using violence against women.
But Mr Longley says there is more to it than that.
“If someone had stepped in with Emily she could have been alive today."
He says many people knew of the violence being inflicted on his daughter by Elliott Turner, the man who murdered her.
"Despite Turner telling people he was going to kill Emily, no one did anything – no one. I know it’s hard to intervene. No one wants to get involved in other people’s lives, but we really need to stop sitting by.”
He says New Zealanders need to take action when they see threatening and violent behaviour.
“Violence is a choice. Turner had a choice. We all have a choice, but Emily didn't.”
3 News
source: newshub archive
