Police are using a video of boys being asked to slap a girl to bring the message about family violence home to south Auckland.
Counties Manukau police have released the video - which is part of a successful international concept used reduce violence - showing the reactions of a group of young boys as they are introduced to a girl.
The boys are asked to hug her, make her laugh and finally slap her.
Community safety officer constable Garry Boles said the video contained a message too many adults did not understand.
"This video shows very clearly that children know it's wrong to hit someone - in fact, every single boy refuses to slap the girl, saying it's the wrong thing to do. Sadly this is a message that too many adults don't understand, but it's the message we want everyone to receive this Christmas - there is no excuse for family violence," he said.
Police said December and January were the most high-risk months for family violence, and the video was part of a wider campaign in south Auckland to give families extra support including food parcels, Christmas presents, prevention advice and extra visits to our high-risk families.
The video is similar to an Italian-made one that went viral.