Standard helps to identify those at risk

The first national family violence Standard, released in June 2006, provides guidelines on how to reduce harm, enhance victim safety and increase offender accountability. The Standard also provides guidance for screening, risk assessment and intervention for agencies working with victims and perpetrators of family violence.

The Standard, Screening, risk assessment and intervention for family violence including child abuse and neglect (NZS 8006:2006,) was developed for use by agencies or individuals that work with families and children, including the Police; the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services; teachers; physical and mental health workers; GPs; and social workers.

The Standard provides guidance and help to:

* Enable those at the forefront of family violence issues to work more closely together to improve safety, protection and accountability

* Set up a consistent processes for agencies to use, enabling a consistent and culturally appropriate response to family violence, abuse and neglect.

* Provide a systematic approach to dealing with violence and identifying best practice guidelines for screening, risk assessment and safety planning.
 
The Standard was initiated and sponsored by the New Zealand Police. Standards New Zealand managed the project and coordinated the committee of experts from a range of sectors including: Health; Child, Youth and Family; Women's Refuge; Corrections; Justice; Education; Barnados; Police; and Plunket.
 
To order a copy of the Family violence Standard (NZS 8006:2006), please call Standards New Zealand 0800 782 632 or see: http://www.standards.co.nz/
 
The Standard is available for download: http://www.police.govt.nz/resources/

ENDS

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