Paeroa is launching an anti-violence campaign this weekend following the death of businessman Jordan Voudaris.

A total of 26 residents have put their names and faces to the campaign, including the mayor, high school students, men who have turned their lives around, sports people, community leaders and police.

Jordan Voudaris was murdered in an alleyway behind his Paeroa pizza shop.

The three-month campaign will raise awareness about family violence and the effect of alcohol-fuelled violence on children who experience or witness violence at home.

Billboards will be put up on roads leading into Paeroa and posters of the 26 champions will be displayed round the town.

The campaign has been developed by the Hauraki Family Violence Intervention Network in partnership with the Hauraki District Council, Population Health Waikato District Health Board and the National It's not OK Campaign, as well as local community groups.

A slide show of the champions will run in five local stores and radio stations will be playing champions' messages.

'Family violence is so often hidden behind closed doors. By putting up billboards and posters we bring it out into the open and make it easier for people to get help whether they are using violence or are on the receiving end of it,” says spokesperson Rachel Harrison.

'We know that only about 20 per cent of family violence is reported to police - after it's happened. If we are really going to stop violence happening all of us need to get involved.”
Rachel says they invited local people to be part of the campaign and are absolutely delighted 26 everyday people agreed to stand up and speak out.

'Having local people front the campaign sends a message that every person in a community can be part of reducing and preventing violence in families they know.”

A family fun day is planned for this Sunday.