Judy (Jude) Simpson MNZM was only nine when her stepmother began abusing her.

By the time she turned 14 she had been stripped of all her self-worth. Jude had been demeaned, despised and abused for so many years, she couldn’t see a way out. But, an intervention changed her life.

Jude was sent on a course by the Ministry of Social Development and encountered a major turning point in her life. “Something in my life needed to change, but I just didn't know what and I didn't know how,” says Jude.

The 58-year-old Papamoa mother and grandmother is now the lead Family Harm Facilitator for Police at the Royal New Zealand Police College.

If you suspect someone close to you is a victim of family violence or feel something is not right, it’s okay to act on it – you could save a life. Call 111 or visit www.police.govt.nz/family-violence-help.

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