Government to review immigration policy for people experiencing domestic violence

Immigration Minister Nathan Guy says the Government will soon review immigration policy impacting on people who experience domestic violence. This follows community outcry over a teenage boy in Taranaki regretting calling the police after waking to find his father beating his mother last year. His father was jailed then deported. He, his mother and brother now also face deportation and the risk of further violence as their visas were attached to his father's and a new application has been refused.

Women's Refuge chief executive Heather Henare said, “Men who are abusive and have control over a visa requirement, are provided by law with a fantastic weapon to keep their behaviour undetected from the outside world. In this case it was the brave actions of a great young man that helped to save his mother. It is terrible that this has turned into him regretting his actions."

Nathan Guy said, “The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment will be carrying out a review of policies for partners of New Zealand citizens and residents.

"This will include looking at section 4.5 of the Immigration Operational Manual, which deals with residence categories for victims of domestic violence."

'Women's Refuge decries visa rule', Stuff, 25/9/12

'Deportation a return to abuse', Stuff, 21/9/12

'Family to be deported for father's abuse', 3 News, 21/9/12