National Party refuses to support domestic violence victims and employers

The National Party’s decision not to support the Domestic Violence – Victims’ Protection Bill through Select Committee is out of touch and playing politics with the lives of people affected by domestic violence, says the Bill’s sponsor Green MP Jan Logie.

“National are putting the unfounded fears of a few businesses ahead of the safety of domestic violence victims and their communities,” says Jan Logie. “National are on the wrong side of the evidence, modern business practice, and history.”

The Bill sets out concrete processes to give victims of domestic violence stability and security at work, which helps them to get out of violent situations, do what’s best for their families, and prevent violence impacting their workplaces.

Many New Zealand businesses such as Countdown, the Warehouse, and ANZ already make provision for victims of domestic violence.

“Good employers know that giving people security and support and treating them with dignity and respect is good for business,” says Jan Logie.

“Many want to do the right thing but don’t know how. This Bill provides a level playing field and a clear framework for how to support victims. And it will save lives.

“Unfortunately, the National Party thinks people should just cross their fingers and hope their employer will give them time off, or use their ordinary sick leave – even when they have to attend court proceedings or get their children settled into a new school.

“All victims of domestic violence deserve to be safe at work and shouldn’t have to choose between protecting themselves and their children, or employment.”

Despite the National Party’s opposition, the Bill will go to second reading on 13 June.

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