Introduction: Review of the Domestic Violence Act 1995
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New due date for submissions for the Review of the Domestic Violence Act 1995 and Related Legislation The Ministry has received feedback from agencies and individuals regarding the deadline for submissions for the “Review of the Domestic Violence Act 1995 and Related Legislation: A discussion document”. The Ministry appreciates the concerns that have been raised about the timeframe for submissions impacting upon service organisations who work in family violence prevention. As far as we are able to we have taken these concerns into account and we have adjusted the date due for submissions to 13 February 2008 . Unfortunately we are unable to extend the timeframe any further as the Ministry has been asked to provide subsequent policy papers on potential amendments on a date already set by Cabinet. |
The Ministry of Justice is carrying out a review of the Domestic Violence Act 1995 and its related legislation to identify any changes that would make the legislation more effective.
Domestic violence
Reducing and preventing domestic violence is a priority for New Zealand. Domestic violence impacts on the lives of thousands of New Zealanders. Around half of all murders in New Zealand each year are domestic violence-related and one in three women can expect to experience violence from an intimate partner in her lifetime. Research tells us that family violence does not discriminate. Its impact resonates through all sectors of the community. It affects families from all cultures, classes, backgrounds and socio-economic circumstances.
Review of the Domestic Violence Act 1995
The Domestic Violence Act 1995 creates a framework for providing legal protection to victims of domestic violence in order to prevent further violence. The Act also places importance on the value of education in preventing violence. The Ministry of Justice has monitored the working of the Domestic Violence Act during the ten years it has been in force. Recently we have consulted with government agencies, the judiciary and some representative interest groups to obtain an up-to-date picture of how the legislation is working. Most people we have consulted support the principles and framework of the Act, and there has been no indication over the years that a more fundamental review is warranted. Therefore, we have taken an "issues-based" approach to this review.
The discussion document
The discussion document is an important part of the review process. The document and the work it represents is part of a continuing focus on reducing family violence in New Zealand. The issues set out in the discussion document have been raised with us in the course of our initial consultation. There may be other matters that have not been brought to our attention that you may also wish to inform us about. We are consulting as widely as possible before developing any proposals to amend this significant piece of legislation. It is important that everyone who is interested has the opportunity to make suggestions for change and to have their views acknowledged.
How to make a submission
Submissions can be emailed to dvareview@justice.govt.nz. An electronic copy of the discussion document is available on this website www.justice.govt.nz. If possible, please provide your submission in electronic form. Alternatively, submissions can be sent to:
Domestic Violence Act Review
Ministry of Justice
PO Box
180
WELLINGTON
