Sexual Violence Prevention Agency supports Defence Force moves to deal with sexist behaviour

The Defence Force promises new strategies in dealing with inappropriate sexual behaviour in the organisation

TE OHAAKII A HINE - NATIONAL NETWORK ENDING SEXUAL VIOLENCE TOGETHER·TUESDAY, 15 MARCH 2016

We support the recognition deserved and applaud the move from senior ranks and the Defence Forces to develop and implement strategies to deal with sexist cultures and behaviours. Policy changes will enable their people to feel safe about coming forward and will be heard instead of being ordered to speak to commanders or military police etc as per their past processes of dealing with disclosure.

Speaking from our National Office, Sandz Peipi, Kaitakawaenga o Nga Kaitiaki Mauri, states: “These strategies are long overdue. It is a shame that this county has somewhat fell behind the rest of the commonwealth with regards to recognition of this”.

In 2013 the Australia government presented outcomes of research they had completed at the CSW Council for women in New York. In addition to those who have recently completed research and implemented change are Great Britain and Canada in 2015 from within the Commonwealth countries, all three have similar systems, infrastructures and governance and of course are essentially a reflection of the colonisation of Aotearoa with the assertion of common law being the basis of legislation.

There was a time when New Zealand/Aotearoa led the world on change with regards to responding to issues specifically to the violation women and now it would seem that we are a lack lustre 4 in line.

With this in mind, we reiterate, our support of these strategies and invite The Defence Force to collaborate with us in moving forward. Our mission is to enable New Zealand to lead the way again.

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