Victims Protection Act supported by White Ribbon scheme

Media Release
26 July 2018

The new Domestic Violence Victims Protection Act is fully supported by White Ribbon’s Business Accreditation Scheme.

White Ribbon congratulates the Government on passing legislation that will make a real difference for victims of family violence.

New Zealand has the highest rates of reported domestic violence in the world, and with low unemployment rates, it's obvious that many victims will be experiencing violence while they’re working.

White Ribbon's Workplace Accreditation Scheme has long recognised the importance of businesses supporting these staff.

"Being able to take time off is vital for people to manage their situation, such as finding a new place to live”, says White Ribbon Manager Rob McCann. “This legislation will help victims to remain in their job, which will help their income and social support”.

"Women experiencing violence are often subjected to attempts to control or coerce them into remaining in a violent household. Being able to leave requires money, so keeping their job and income is crucial to these women”.

“They also need medical or counselling assistance, or to shift children from daycare or schools where they can be in danger. This takes time during the day”.

"Two of our largest employers, the Warehouse and Countdown, already provide domestic violence leave to their affected staff. These organisations have leadership teams that understand the cost of family violence, and the benefits to their organisations from supporting their staff." Both the Warehouse and Countdown are accredited by White Ribbon.

"Like many other countries in the western world we are now recognising that we need to do more for victims of family violence. We congratulate the government on this first step. The challenge now is to undertake further preventative measures to stop men's violence towards women," says Mr McCann.

For information on how your business can become White Ribbon Accredited contact@whiteribbon.org.nz

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