Refuges emerged in the early 1970s, developing from increased awareness and understanding of family violence. The Christchurch Refuge was followed by others in Auckland and Dunedin, and in 1981 a National Collective of Women’s Refuges was formed. Refuges provided a 24-hour phone and safe house service for battered women and their children. They offered counselling, referral, and advocacy, as well as shelter and support. Refuges placed high value on education to help change attitudes to family violence. A wide range of women became involved in supporting other women and their children from every social group and background.