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For some, this year’s International Women’s Day theme of Choose to Challenge is put into practice every day. Victim Support volunteer Christine Cowell (Chris) says that her role as a Support Worker for victims of crime and trauma involves being constantly outside her comfort zone.

Since her son Glen's murder, grieving mother Karilyn Collins has been frightened to leave her home. Recently Karilyn embodied the spirit of this year's International Women's Day theme of Choose to Challenge, putting crippling fears aside to speak in support of a proposed law change promoting victims' rights.

Victim Support volunteer support worker Sheila Beckers has two part time jobs that fill her days; the first as a primary school music teacher and the second as a DHB consumer advisor promoting patient and whānau-centred healthcare. On top of this busy schedule, Sheila works one 12-hour night shift each week for Victim Support in the Wellington region.

The journey of recovery for a serious crime victim is not one with a finite ending. To have a guiding light was vital in helping Tina and her whānau heal following the homicide of her brother.

Neil had left work early with the idea of surprising his wife and daughter with a family picnic. What he found when he arrived home was a driveway full of police cars. Within a few short minutes he was to find his whole life had been turned upside down.

Losing her husband in the Christchurch terror attacks, Asma has been forced to rebuild her life, with help and encouragement from her family, the Pakistani community, and Victim Support.