About us
Nau mai, haere mai! Welcome to Press Pause. We support positive change in the lives of rangatahi. Discover our resources and initiatives aimed at helping adults understand, recognise and respond to sexualised behaviour.
Our mission
Concerning sexualised behaviour in the world of rangatahi can present a complex challenge. It's tied up in social norms as well as being influenced by many new areas of life our young ones are learning to navigate.
But it can be tricky for us as adults too. Often, we don't know what to say or do when we witness sexualised behaviour, sometimes leading us to overreact, or minimise harm when it occurs. With Press Pause, we aim to equip adults with the knowledge and skills to walk alongside rangatahi and respond effectively to sexualised behaviours. We support adults to help rangatahi to Press Pause on what they're watching, doing and saying to become safe, critical thinkers, who thrive in their relationships.
Press Pause has been developed by Stop, in Christchurch, NZ, in collaboration with local kura, clinicians and community services. It has been generously funded by Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children. It is aimed at adults in positions of responsibility who work with rangatahi in Aotearoa. On this website, you'll find information about various sexualised behaviours, guidance for recognising when they become concerning, as well as ways to respond effectively to support positive change.
Our values
Press Pause draws its values from the clinical work done with rangatahi at Stop Services. We hope they resonate with you as you support rangatahi in your corner of Aotearoa.
TIKANGA HAUMARU
SAFE PRACTICE: In all we do with rangatahi, we aim to put safety first. We want to build trust by creating safe and secure environments which support honest conversations, boundaries, informed choices and growth.
MĀRAMATANGA
ENLIGHTENMENT, INSIGHT, WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING: Māramatanga drives all our work with rangatahi and sexualised behaviours. Through education, self-awareness and self-reflection, we illuminate paths to mana-enhancing choices and healthier ways of relating to one another.
MANAAKITANGA
TO SUPPORT, LIFT UP, PROTECT THE MANA OF OTHERS: In all our work, we uphold the mana of rangatahi through respect, honesty and compassion. We aim to create a trusting environment that fosters positive change and empowers rangatahi to make informed, respectful choices.
TIKA, PONO, & AROHA
TO BE FAIR, TRUTHFUL AND COMPASSIONATE: Guided by tika (rightness), pono (truth), and aroha (compassion), our approach to rangatahi and sexualised behaviours reflects integrity, honesty and empathy. We strive to build connection and trust, promote respectful choices and support holistic wellbeing for rangatahi and those impacted by their behaviour.
TŪMANAKO
HOPE & FUTURE VISIONING FOR A WAY FORWARD: We believe rangatahi represent a shift towards a culture of safe and respectful relationships. We believe in their potential for positive growth through reflection, education and support. We envision and hold hope for their future, free from sexual harm.
Take care of our children. Take care of what they hear. Take care of what they see. For how the children grow, so will the shape of Aotearoa.
Our audience
For the past 30 years, Stop has provided support and intervention for adults, rangatahi, and tamariki who have engaged in harmful sexual behaviour. This website is an extension to our work - which includes structured clinical programmes, family therapy, and community education and training.
For Professionals
Press Pause exists for professionals who work with rangatahi in schools and community. We know the vast majority of concerning sexual behaviour happens everyday in rangatahi environments and it can be challenging to know how to respond. Press Pause is designed to provide information and practical advice so that sexualised behaviour can be addressed with confidence.
For Parents & Whānau
Press Pause also exists for parents, whānau and caregivers. Youth culture, trends and behavioural norms frequently change so can be difficult to know how to respond when rangatahi have engaged in sexualised behaviours. Press Pause aims to give parents, whānau and carers information and practical advice so they can kōrero with confidence.