Media statement from TOAH-NNEST re the newly announced “Joint Venture Model to Lead Prevention and Reduction in Family Violence and Sexual Violence”

In the spirit of the Prime Minister’s request today at the United Nations that the #MeToo movement becomes #We Too, Te Ohaaki A Hine-National Network Ending Sexual abuse Together (TOAH-NNEST) would like to congratulate Parliamentary Under Secretary Jan Logie for leading the creation of a mechanism for ten Government agencies to jointly tackle Aotearoa’s ‘wicked’ social problems of Sexual Violence and Family Violence.

This newly announced joined up approach will ensure that a serious level of attention is devoted to finding solutions to these distressing issues. The specialist Sexual Violence sector has worked for many years to have the various governments of the day collaborate with them to address the harm caused by Sexual Violence as well as working actively towards its prevention. The existing siloed approach by government has proven unhelpful but this new joined up approach offers our collective endeavours a vehicle to speed up our progress.

“It is vital that a full overview of all elements of this problem, from prevention to long term recovery, are considered in the formation of a national strategy and action plan so that all of our efforts can be heading in the same direction. It is no small feat to pull together ten Chief Executives of major Government agencies to work in such an integrated approach. Resting responsibility for both leadership and accountability with each Chief Executive is essential to the success of this venture” says Maggy Tai Rākena, Chairperson for the Tauiwi Caucus.

Nga Kiatiaki Mauri Caucus spokesperson, Russell Smith is delighted to see the inclusion of a Māori Advisory Group, Te Rōpū right from the outset of this venture. “Given Māori are hugely impacted by sexual crime it is essential that we are part of the design of solutions” said Mr Smith.

“The specialist Sexual Violence sector is up for the challenges that this joined up approach will bring and is looking forward to working with the Government to find solutions to the harm caused by Sexual Violence.” says Ms Tai Rākena.

ends

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