Protecting our Families

On November 25 we mark White Ribbon Day. This is when we send the message that violence against women and children must stop.

Violence damages the lives of tens of thousands of New Zealanders. National is determined to change this. We want to secure a brighter future for all New Zealanders and their families.
We are ensuring the right laws are in place, that the police and justice systems work for victims, and that victims have better access to support.

Before the election, we promised to give police the power to issue on-the-spot protection orders to help protect victims of domestic violence.

We have kept our word. We passed the Domestic Violence (Enhancing Safety) Act which gives police that power, and allows sentencing judges to issue protection orders on behalf of victims.

This will provide better protection for people at immediate risk of family violence, and is in addition to the normal court process for considering requests for protection orders.

We also promised to increase the maximum sentences for offenders who commit acts of violence and abuse against children.

Last year we passed the Sentencing (Offences against Children) Amendment Act. This requires the courts to take into account the defencelessness of children when it sentences offenders.

We have also introduced a Child and Family Protection Bill which gives the courts some additional powers to protect children and families from all forms of violence and abuse.

We are continuing to work in this area. We want to ensure our laws send a clear message that crimes against children are totally unacceptable and will be punished accordingly.

Recently the Ministry of Women’s Affairs completed its two-year research project on sexual violence. The findings will help us to better understand the needs of victims, and to improve their safety and well-being.

The Ministry is also looking at ways to eliminate domestic violence to ensure that women are safer in their homes. We must speak out now and ensure that women remain safe.

The Government cannot solve the problem of violence on its own – we need to change the attitudes that have allowed some New Zealanders to tolerate family violence and sexual violence.

White Ribbon Day is a chance for our communities to stand together, in solidarity, against violence being inflicted on women and children.

We must come together as a community and ensure the message “It’s not okay” resonates in every family and in every home.