Those at coalface welcome Govt's collective approach to tackle domestic and sexual violence

September 28, 2018

New Zealand has a horrific record of violence, says Jan Logie.

Violence services are welcoming the Government's move to join services to tackle domestic and sexual violence. 

Jane Drumm of the domestic abuse charity Shine, said it showed the "greatest promise of creating meaningful change" and had the potential to hold "perpetrators accountable while motivating and supporting them to change their behaviour". 

The joint venture business unit will report to a board with the chief executives from 10 Government agencies, including police, education, Oranga Tamariki, social development and ACC. 

It will develop a national strategy and action plan to reduce New Zealand's family and sexual violence. 

Ms Drumm said their front-line staff spend a "frustrating and disheartening amount of time battling with Government agencies on behalf of our clients" due to a lack of coordination between agencies.

"We have struggled to not only support victims, but also advocate for changes in domestic violence related laws, policies and procedures of various agencies."

Women's Refuge chief executive Dr Ang Jury welcomed the move, but said coordination needed to extend beyond Government agencies. 

"Being free from violence or the fear of violence is a basic human right, this should and must become a central value for each and every New Zealander," she said. 

Merran Lawler of National Network of Stopping Violence Services says many on the front line had been advocating for a joint system which would see those responsible for developing and implementing domestic violence initiatives "singing from the same song book and are accountable to those impacted by that violence".

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