Leading domestic abuse service provider Shine is warning family violence rates in New Zealand are reaching 'near epidemic levels”.

In New Zealand a child is killed by a member of their own family every five weeks, while one in three women will experience physical and/or sexual abuse by a male partner during their lifetime.

Now the service provider and charitable organisation is asking for the community's help them shine a light on the dark subject of domestic abuse on March 4-10.

The Light It Orange campaign is Shine's special week to not only raise awareness but also some much needed funds to help victims of family violence get safe and stay safe.

Marketing and communications manager Holly Carrington says there's plenty of ways to get involved, from planning a small activity to making an online donation.

'You can fundraise as an individual or as part of a team, so we're encouraging people to get their school or workplace involved, or even their group of friends.

'Light It Orange is a fun and simple way to be a part of the solution to family violence. We'd love for people to sign up, or check out www.lightitorange.org.nz to find out more.”

In what was her first role behind the camera since leaving Shortland Street, Angela Bloomfield has directed a television commercial to raise awareness of Light It Orange.

The ad features a handful of well-known New Zealanders, including TV personality, Guy Williams, and four members of the Vodafone Warriors rugby league team.

Angela says directing the ad ticked a big box for her personally as the experience allowed her to invest her time and energy into a campaign and charity she believes in.

'The commercial encourages people to have fun and get involved in Shine's amazing Light It Orange fundraising campaign, but we're bringing some quite raw home truths to them at the same time.

'My hope is that these uncomfortable truths can lift the lid on these issues, and bring more awareness and acknowledgment to domestic violence.”

The Light It Orange awareness week takes place across the country from March 4-10. For more information visit: www.lightitorange.org.nz or for more information about Shine visit: www.2shine.irg.nz

WHY SHOULD YOU ‘LIGHT IT ORANGE'?

• Every five minutes police respond to a domestic abuse incident
• Roughly only 20 per cent of domestic abuse is reported to police.
• One in three women experience physical and/or sexual abuse from a current or former male partner in their lifetime
• A woman is killed every 3.5 weeks by her current or former partner
• A child is killed every five weeks by a member of their own family