Media Statement – for immediate release 7 March 2007

Family Violence Experts Warn New Family Violence Courts

Family violence courts must not sacrifice the safety of women and children in order to speed up court processes for domestic violence cases, family violence experts say.

The Domestic Violence Act clearly gives top priority to the safety of victims and courts must do the same, Holly Carrington, spokesperson for Preventing Violence in the Home said.

"New Zealand has an appalling rate of family violence and many victims look to the police and courts for help to keep them safe. In many cases the response from the courts is less than satisfactory," Ms Carrington said.

"We would like NZ courts to follow the example set by long established overseas courts, which see their primary objective as enhancing victim safety and holding the offender accountable for abusive behaviour.

"Speeding up the court process for family violence matters is helpful for all concerned, but at the end of the day, if bad results are achieved more quickly, no one benefits, and least of all the victims."

Ms Carrrington said results vary in the existing family violence courts in Waitakere and Manukau with regard to how they are run, sentencing and other factors dependent on which judge is on duty.

PVH wants independent advocates in every court.

"These advocates are considered critical in overseas models where they are able to ensure the court remains focused on the safety of victims and the need for offenders to accept responsibility for their offending."

Preventing Violence in the Home welcomed the new courts but said the existing family violence courts should have been evaluated first so they could inform establishment of the new courts.

ENDS

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