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Current Initiatives
This page lists current family violence-related initiatives
being implemented at a national level. For the latest information about family
violence research, as well as local and national initiatives in Aotearoa New
Zealand, see the NZFVC newsletter, available at:
NZFVC Newsletters.
If you wish to subscribe to the newsletter and receive an electronic copy, please go to: Subscribe to NZFVC Newsletters Also, see the regular government publication Te Rito News at Te Rito News . To order hard copies of Te Rito News, email Family Services at violencefree@familyservices.govt.nz Advocates for Children and Young People who Witnesses Family Violence Ministry of Social Development This initiative provides funding for 45 full-time advocates nationwide. The advocates will be employed by local NGO's and be available as a community-wide resource for individuals and organisations working with children and young people affected by family violence. A national infrastructure will provide professional leadership, support and coordination for the advocates and host agencies. An evaluation is being carried out by the Centre for Social Research and Evaluation and will be completed in June 2008. For more information, see www.familyservices.govt.nz/our-work/preventing-violence/children-witness.html Last updated: November 2007
Amokura Iwi authorities and NGOs The Amokura Family Violence Prevention Strategy is an integrated community based initiative to address family violence and promote whanau wellbeing in Taitokerau (Northland). The initiative is led by the Family Violence Prevention Consortium, which is made up of the Chief Executives of seven iwi authorities who have made a long term commitment to preventing whanau violence: Te Aupouri, Te Rarawa, Ngati Kahu, Whaingaroa, Ngapuhi, Ngati Whatua and Ngati Wai. Amokura provides strategic leadership and co-ordination of violence prevention and early intervention activities across Taitokerau. The Amokura project involves a community awareness campaign - the 'Step Back' campaign – which conveys simple messages and strategies for change, and includes original music performed by young people on local radio and at community concerts, as well as a range of other resources. Also part of the Amokura strategy is a research programme including research on kaumatua insights into Oranga Whanau, a project that explores ‘Mana Tane’, ways that men contribute to the welfare and development of nurturing violence-free families; action research with Whaingaroa rangatahi (youth) on their vision of Oranga Whanau; and a literature review. Other aspects of the Amokura Strategy include support, training and professional development for service providers; and community activities, such as a project to build and use a waka tete (a canoe for women and children, symbolising the divinity of women and promise of safety). For more information on ‘Step Back’, read Te Rito News (December 2005), which can be downloaded from: www.familyservices.govt.nz/publications/te-rito-news.html. To receive the Amokura newsletter email admin@amokura.net.nz. Last updated December 2006 Campaign for Action on Family Violence – “It’s not OK!” Ministry of Social Development, Families Commission , ACC & NGOs The Campaign is led by the Ministry of Social Development and Families Commission, in association with communities. The Campaign is supported by ACC, the Ministry of Health and the New Zealand Police. In the Budget of 2006, $11 million funding over four years was given to a national campaign to change community attitudes towards family violence. The Families Commission contributed an extra $3 million to the Campaign bringing the total to $14 million. This Campaign is a major initiative of the Taskforce for Action on Violence Within Families. Campaign messages are:
There are several work-streams involved: Community Owned and Driven Initiatives
Communications
Research and Evaluation
Last updated: May 2008 _____________________________________________________________ Child Abuse (including child sexual abuse) Work Programme Ministry of Social Development A work plan that addresses improving outcomes for children and preventing child abuse, is being developed for the Taskforce for Action on Violence Within Families. An agreed work plan will be developed by June 2008. For more information see the Taskforce monitoring reports at http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/work-programmes/initiatives/action-family-violence/taskforce-work.html Last updated: May 2008 _____________________________________________________
Court Advocates Project Ministry of Women’s Affairs & Ministry of Justice The Government has announced that from the 2008-2009 financial year, they will begin to fund the introduction of Independent Victim Advocates in all Family Violence Courts from July 2008. This is in response to international research and consultation with key stakeholders that highlights the considerable benefits of advocacy in courts for victims of family violence. New Zealand has no existing nationwide advocacy service or programme for family violence victims in courts. The Court Advocates Project is one of a number of Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families (TAVF) actions on safety and accountability and is also one of the recommendations of Living at the Cutting Edge: Women’s Experiences of Protection Orders. Further information can be found at the link below: Last updated: October 2008 _____________________________________________________
Differential Response Model Ministry of Social Development – Child Youth and Family & NGOs
The Differential Response Model (DRM) involves piloting and implementing a new way of responding to notifications of child abuse and neglect. This initiative stems from recommendations made in the Care and Protection Blueprint. The DRM is informed by research that indicates that cases where a child’s needs are high, but the risk of immediate maltreatment is low, respond better to family preservation programmes than to formal investigations. It is also informed by differential response systems from countries including Australia, Canada, the US and UK, but has been developed for New Zealand. The DRM involves closer collaboration with NGO service providers to ensure the most appropriate response is provided to care and protection reports received by Child Youth and Family (CYF). Amendments to the Children, Young Persons and their Families Act (1989) are necessary for the DRM to be implemented. The DRM is already being applied to all notifications in the Taranaki and Royal Oak sites and at the call centre for notifications relating to those sites. This testing process is the first stage of implementation. A real-time evaluation of the impact of the DRM is being built into the testing process. Findings from the evaluation will be used to refine and develop the DRM prior to its introduction throughout the country. For more information, see www.cyf.govt.nz/2275.htm. Last updated: April 2008
Evaluation of the Community Action Toolkit to Prevent Family Violence ACC The evaluation is currently underway and due to be completed in April 2008. Links will be available on the NZFVC website once the report is finished. Last updated: April 2008 _____________________________________________________________
Everyday Communities Ministry of Social Development – Child Youth and Family Everyday Communities involves local public awareness and social marketing campaigns to encourage well-being and safety for all New Zealand children. A 12-month long programme, including community capacity building and public education, is developed for each community. Programmes have been run in South Auckland Pacific communities, the Wairarapa region, Whakatane and Northland. An evaluation has shown the programme to be successful in mobilising individuals and communities to take ownership for the prevention of abuse. See www.cyf.govt.nz/2321.htm for more information, a fact sheet on Everyday Communities, and to order the resources developed for this project. Last updated: April 2008 Everyday Theatre Ministry of Social Development - Child, Youth and Family The aim of this project is to empower young New Zealanders to achieve well-being and safety. The project primarily involves children at Intermediate or Year 7 and 8 levels. As part of the Everyday Communities programme, Everyday Theatre addresses issues of child abuse, neglect, family violence and positive parenting. See www.cyf.govt.nz/2477.htm Last updated: April 2008 Exploring ownership issues in youth relationships ACC This is a qualitative research project exploring young women’s experiences of jealousy/ownership in relationships. The final report is due June 2008. Further projects focusing on young men and Maori are likely to be developed in 2008-09. Last updated: April 2008 _____________________________________________________________
Family Safety Teams Police, Ministry of Justice, & Ministry of Social Development – Child Youth and Family and the Community Sector Family Safety Teams are established in Auckland, Counties/Manukau, Hamilton, Wairarapa, Hutt Valley and Christchurch. Family Safety Teams provide a multi-disciplinary and consistent response to family violence and child protection. Each Family Safety Team consists of 10 members, including police investigators, Adult Victim Advocates, Child Victim Advocates and a supervisor. Family Safety Teams aim to provide a more integrated approach to family violence. This multi-disciplinary approach is designed to close gaps identified in responses to violent family situations. In response to the practicalities and context of their local communities, the teams will: GATHER information MONITOR and evaluate practice and systems PROMOTE systemic change INTERVENE proactively where necessary ADVOCATE to ensure access to 24/7 services and to ensure the voices of women and children are heard across all systems and services. To find out more see: www.fst.org.nz Last updated: April 2008 _____________________________________________________________
Family Violence Death Review Committee Ministry of Health The Ministry of Health is in the process of establishing a Family Violence Death Review Committee under the New Zealand Public Health and Disability Act 2000. The new Committee will:
____________________________________________________ Family Violence Free Workplaces Ministry of Social Development, ACC, NZ Police Workplace initiatives will be implemented in the above three government agencies, aimed at promoting violence free environments. The internal agency strategies will develop ways to support victims, deal with perpetrators, and empower observers to act to prevent family violence. The three agencies will develop tools and resources that will be used to encourage others to develop ‘family violence free workplaces’. For more information see the Taskforce monitoring reports at http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/work-programmes/initiatives/action-family-violence/taskforce-work.html Last updated: May 2008 _____________________________________________________________
Family Violence Funding Circuit Breaker Ministry of Social Development - Family and Community Services
Improved coordination of government funding processes across the Ministry of Justice (Courts), Child, Youth and Family, Internal Affairs, ACC and Corrections is the aim of this project. Sixteen regional Circuit Breaker Teams now work with local funders and providers to find solutions to funding issues and identify family violence service gaps in their area. The teams work to improve the co-ordination and alignment of government funding in processes for family violence services, and reduce the compliance requirements for services. The project follows an audit process which meets the requirements of all government agencies involved. For more information, see www.familyservices.govt.nz/our-work/preventing-violence/circuit-breaker.html. Last updated: April 2008 Family Violence Interagency Response System (FVIARS) Police, Child Youth and Family, and National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges The Family Violence Interagency Response System continues to be implemented. This project was developed as part of the 2006/07 Taskforce work programme by the Police, the Ministry of Social Development (Child Youth and Family) and the National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges to ensure a shared response to all Police family violence reports through improved information sharing between agencies. The purpose of this approach is to enhance the safety of family violence victims, improve offender accountability, enhance risk assessment and decision making at the time of attendance at the event and to ensure a nationally consistent and collaborative response to family violence events. The model of interagency intervention developed for this project is based on the need to have good quality information soon after the incident occurs, with all involved parties around the table sharing information and collectively arriving at a decision about what is the best immediate response. The underpinning principle of the model is that in the vast majority of cases, when women are supported to increase their strategies to be safe from violence, children will also be safer. The case management processes will enable better decision making around whether a statutory intervention (a notification to CYF) is needed or not, and what combination of responses might be required. The project will work with, and support the development of, current interagency case coordination processes. An evaluation of the project is underway. Last updated: July 2008 ____________________________________________________
Family Violence Investigation Report (FVIR) Police There is currently a national roll out of the new Family Violence Investigation Report (FVIR) which includes three risk assessment tools to enhance victim safety (note that these are completed with the victim). The FVIR replaces the POL 400. It provides Police with a nationally consistent minimum standard for conducting investigation, risk assessment, referrals and support to victims when called to family violence events. Last updated: July 2008 ______________________________________________________
Family Violence Prevention Self-Evaluation Project Ministry of Social Development – CSRE & Child Youth and Family
This project proposes the development and trialling of an Internet-based self-evaluation toolkit for NGOs working in the area of family violence prevention. By encouraging the use of proven evaluation methods and tools, and building on current evaluation practices, this initiative will assist NGOs to better monitor and evaluate their family violence prevention initiatives themselves, so that they may gain useful information about the effectiveness and impact of their work. The first stage of the project involves developing and collating evaluation resources on the trial website; identifying the essential components of family violence prevention initiatives; investigating current evaluation, monitoring and reporting processes; and, between 2007 and 2009, working with NGOs who will trial the use of particular evaluation processes and tools using an online database to routinely gather programme data. The project will be evaluated in 2008 and 2009, with the aim of identifying how NGO trial participants and their "end-users" have benefited and how these benefits can be sustained and extended to others involved in family violence prevention. Information on the progress of this project can be found on http://self-evaluation.info/. Family Violence Research Strategy Families Commission and Ministry of Social Development A strategy will be developed with the aims of setting a strategic direction for research into the prevention of family violence, and coordinating family violence research. This work is being completed for the Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families (2008). There are also several focussed family violence research agendas being developed concurrently: - Maori Research Agenda (Te Puni Kokiri) The Maori Research Agenda will look at Maori models of family violence prevention and intervention, and include a literature review, a case study of kaupapa Maori whanau violence initiatives, and a report on an agenda for future research. - Pacific Research Agenda (Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs) A Pacific Family Violence Research Agenda will be developed as part of a wider Pacific Research Agenda. - New Migrant and Refugee Research Agenda (Ministry of Social Development) A research agenda on family violence within migrant and refugee communities will be developed from a review of the available literature and discussions with an expert advisory group. For more information see the Taskforce monitoring reports at http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/work-programmes/initiatives/action-family-violence/taskforce-work.html Last updated: May 2008 Good Practice Case Studies Ministry of Social Development The Taskforce for Action on Violence Within Families will use current evaluations of family violence initiatives to identify good practice models, beginning with the effects and impacts of the Campaign for Action on Family Violence in particular communities. For more information see the Taskforce monitoring reports at http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/work-programmes/initiatives/action-family-violence/taskforce-work.html Last updated: May 2008 _____________________________________________________________
Guidelines of the Diagnosis and Management of Mental Injury in Survivors of Sexual Abuse ACC New guidelines for the diagnosis and management of mental injury in people who have experienced sexual abuse, that takes into account the different needs of survivors across the life-span has now been completed and will be made available to all registered ACC counselling providers and other stakeholders at the end of March 2008. These guidelines will also be available on the ACC web site at this time.
Last updated: April 2008 Health Sector Early Intervention Project Ministry of Health and health providers
A programme to ensure that victims of child and partner abuse are identified and supported by health professionals has been operating in clinical health settings around New Zealand since 2002. The first part of this early intervention project involved the development and publishing of the Family Violence Intervention Guidelines: Child and Partner Abuse, which were endorsed by all the major health professional colleges. These guidelines recommend and provide a process for routine enquiry about the presence of partner violence in the lives of adult female patients, and a process for child abuse screening when abuse is suspected. Over the last few years, District Health Boards (DHB), midwives, general practitioners, well-child and sexual health providers have trained staff on family violence screening and referrals. A national network of DHB Family Violence Intervention co-ordinators has been developed, and 14 DHBs have self-funded family violence co-ordinators to compliment the four positions that the Ministry of Health funded. The clinical early intervention programme has a time limited budget which ends in June 2007. Copies of child and partner abuse screening guidelines can be downloaded from www.moh.govt.nz/familyviolence. Last updated: December 2006 High and Complex Needs Strategy Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Education The High and Complex Needs (HCN) Interagency Strategy was developed in 2001 as a joint initiative of the Ministries of Health, Education and Social Development and the former Department of Child, Youth and Family Services. The HCN Strategy is about a way of working together across agencies and professional boundaries to improve outcomes for children and young people that have needs so complicated that they cannot be met by just one of the health, education and social sectors. The Strategy involves an interagency working protocol and the establishment of the High and Complex Needs Unit which is responsible for allocating funding for locally developed and managed Interagency Plans for children, young people and their families. Each year, between 70 and 100 children and young people will receive support from HCN funding. “Working Better Together” interagency collaboration resources have recently been released and are available on the High and Complex Needs website. The resources include a literature review on collaboration, good practice information, and a collaboration self-assessment tool for agencies. For more information see: www.hcn.govt.nz/ Last updated: May 2008 _____________________________________________________
Improving Family Violence Surveillance Data Families Commission This project involves investigating current information about the level and impact of family violence in New Zealand, and developing ways to improve the monitoring of family violence trends and impact of family violence prevention initiatives (2007). Last updated April 2008 Integrated Contracts Ministry of Social Development This project (formerly known as Funding for Outcomes) involves finding ways to simplify the contracting process and improve and integrate the way services are funded and audited when two or more government agencies are involved as funders. The project seeks ways for community agencies to report on the actual outcomes of their services – the results that are experienced by the services users. A Procedures Manual has been developed with to help funders and providers develop integrated contracts.
For more information, see: www.familyservices.govt.nz/our-work/community-development/funding-for-outcomes.html. Last updated: April 2008 Interpreters in Courts Ministry of Justice & Ministry of Social Development The Ministry of Justice is working on an ongoing basis with the Ministry of Social Development and community groups to build the capacity of interpreters in courts. The Ministry of Justice has a range of interpreting services available within courts and will continue to expand the range of languages available as the need arises. The Ministry of Social Development will continue to work with diverse community groups to make better use of interpreters in court processes and to develop or strengthen relationships with Courts. Last updated: April 2008 Intervention for Youth with Severe Anti-Social Behaviour Ministry of Social Development with Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education An interagency project was established in 2007 to improve the government’s response to the management and treatment of children and young people with conduct disorder/ severe antisocial behaviour. The project is set out the report entitled Inter-agency Plan for Conduct Disorder/Severe Antisocial Behaviour 2007 – 2012. The project aims to improve the specialist support to children and young people with behavioural difficulties. For more information go to http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/work-programmes/policy-development/anti-social-behaviour/index.html Last updated: May 2008 _____________________________________________________
Iwi-led Crime Prevention Iwi, NZ Police, & Te Puni Kokiri Government agencies will provide resources, and tool to support iwi to develop Iwi Crime Prevention Plans. This project is in the initial stages. For more information see the Taskforce monitoring reports at http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/work-programmes/initiatives/action-family-violence/taskforce-work.html Last updated: May 2008 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keeping Ourselves Safe: All About Me ACC
This early-childhood personal safety and abuse prevention programme builds on the child abuse prevention programme, Keeping Ourselves Safe, already operating in many New Zealand schools. All About Me, which has a family violence component, was developed by the Police, and Child Protection Studies Centers offer training around New Zealand. See www.police.govt.nz/service/yes/all-about-me/ Last updated: April 2008 Keeping Ourselves Safe: All About Me Evaluation ACC
All About Me aims to raise awareness of child abuse / family violence amongst students, parents and teachers within Early Childhood Education centres and to provide children with strategies to avoid becoming victims of abuse. The evaluation will also assess the effectiveness of the teacher training programme. The report is due July 2008. Last updated: April 2008 ____________________________________________________ Kia Puawai Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Justice, and the Treasury Kia Puawai: Giving our Children the Best Start in Life is a cross-agency package of early intervention measures for children aged zero to six, and their families and whānau. Kia Puawai focuses on identifying and responding to the needs of young children, especially those at risk. It involves working together with community agencies to co-ordinate a range of early years services. The services include Early Years Service Hubs, service coordinators for teenage parents, ‘Roots of Empathy’ pilot, B4School and extensions to Early Start and Family Start programmes. The 2007-2008 ongoing programme of action for the Taskforce for Action on Violence Within Families focuses on supporting Kia Puawai. Last updated May 2008 _____________________________________________________________
Kids are unbeatable Campaign Jigsaw, The Body Shop NZ and other NGOs This campaign focuses on increasing awareness of child abuse and child abuse prevention. The campaign includes the development of resource material (leaflets) and fundraising items, including T-shirts, that are distributed through The Body Shop stores. The campaign is supported by All Black Rodney So'oialo, his wife Marilyn and daughter Tiana. See www.jigsaw.org.nz for more details. Last updated: April 2008 Legal Aid Changes Ministry of Justice & Legal Services Agency Several amendments to the legal aid system are being progressed with the intention that these changes will make legal aid more readily available to victims of family violence, and improve the availability of legal aid lawyers. These changes include: • Raising the income threshold for eligibility for legal aid for orders applied for under the Domestic Violence Act. The new eligibility criteria came into force on 1 March 2007, with around 40% more people being eligible for legal aid. • The Ministry of Justice has distributed information pamphlets in all courts with updated information on the Legal Services Agency and changes to the Legal Services Act 2000 regarding legal aid for domestic violence cases. • Reviewing the rates paid to legal aid lawyers. The review began in 2007. • The Legal Services Agency has finished testing fixed fees for family legal aid cases as part of work to streamline processes and has commenced analysis of these test results. Last updated: April 2008 Maori Programme of Action Ministry of Social Development The Maori Reference Group of the Taskforce for Action on Violence Within Families is developing a programme of action to provide leadership and direction on the prevention of whanau violence. A Maori Leaders Summit was held at Hopuhopu, Ngaruawahia in April 2008 and regional hui have been convened. For more information see the Taskforce monitoring reports at http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/work-programmes/initiatives/action-family-violence/taskforce-work.html Last updated: May 2008 __________________________________________________
Mauri Tau National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges
The Mauri Tau Strategy (“the existence of harmony”) involves promoting the revitalisation of traditional Maori values and beliefs, and regenerating the importance of collective responsibility by whanau and hapu for individuals within their collectives. Mauri Tau also builds on the strengths with whanau and hapu, and holds whanau and hapu leaders to account by expecting them to model Mauri Tau in all they say and do. For more information contact info@refuge.org.nz National Network – Ending Sexual Violence Together Various NGOs A new national network is currently being set up for agencies, researchers and practitioners working in the area of sexual abuse. At a national hui early in 2006, 80 people gave the mandate to a Steering Committee of 12 to work towards establishing a national organisation that would represent those working with sexual abuse survivors and offenders, and provide a national voice on sexual violence issues. For more information on the NNEST network, contact Helen@wellingtonhelp.org.nz. Last updated: February 2007
Ngati Kahungunu Violence-Free Iwi Strategy Iwi authority and NGOs
The Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated Board has endorsed and is supporting the development of a Ngati Kahungunu violence-free iwi strategy. A public hui in 2005 provided the impetus for the development of the strategy, which is being advanced by a group of Maori providers (Te Tumu Whakahaere o te wero Kahungunu Violence Free), and a strategy coordinator has been appointed. The Strategy aims to dispel the illusion that whanau violence is normal, develop an integrated approach to whanau violence, promote standards of practice authentic to Ngati Kahungunu, empower whanau, hapu and iwi to transform from a state of violence to a state of wellbeing’, and to ensure on-going resources and support for violence prevention. For more information see www.kahungunu.iwi.nz or contact sally@kahunguni.iwi.nz. Last updated: April 2008 One of the Family SPCA NZ This campaign focuses on raising awareness about the treatment of pets and other animals, with the hope of reducing cruelty and violence to both animals and people. The link between animal abuse and family violence explicitly informs this campaign. The anti-abuse campaign involves a public awareness campaign around the links between animal abuse and family violence, and an educational programme for New Zealand schools that hopes to influence young people before negative patterns of behaviour become entrenched. The programme will be rolled out over the next three years. The campaign is headed by former All Black Norm Hewitt, who, along with SPCA staff, will visit schools over the next few months. For more information, see www.oneofthefamily.co.nz. Last updated: April 2008 Pacific Programme of Action Ministry of Social Development The Pacific Advisory Group of the Taskforce for Action on Violence Within Families is developing a programme of action to encourage leadership and direction around the prevention of violence within Pacific families. For more information see the Taskforce monitoring reports at http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/work-programmes/initiatives/action-family-violence/taskforce-work.html Last updated: May 2008 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parenting Hearings Ministry of Justice - Courts A new Court process for obtaining a swifter resolution to difficult childcare cases is to be piloted in six Courts around the country: Auckland, Tauranga, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Wellington and Dunedin. The process involves a system, managed by the Court, for defended cases that have either been through the conciliation process without resolution, or there has been an urgent application for a without notice parenting order. The process involves identifying suitable cases; setting up an urgent list call within 14 days to assess the case; holding a preliminary hearing; and then holding a final hearing that focuses on reaching a solution through agreement. The trial runs for two years and will be formally evaluated. For more information, see the speech by Judge Boshier at www.justice.govt.nz/family/publications/speeches-papers/default.asp?inline=auckland-family-courts-association-september-2006.asp.
Last updated: April 2008 Pathway to Partnership Ministry of Social Development The Government has provided a one-off funding injection of $20.4 million over the next two years to boost the ability of community organisations to deliver services that support New Zealand’s children and families. Pathway to Partnership focuses on developing the capacity, capability and sustainability of community based family support services over the next five years. A Steering Group of community and government representatives has been established. More details of Pathway to Partnership are expected to be announced in July 2008. Part of the project involves developing a sustainable funding path for essential family, child and youth services for those affected by family violence. A data monitoring system to gather information on service outcomes will be developed by Ministry of Social Development (as part of the work of the Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families) in collaboration with community agencies. Development of the Pacific service workforce will be included. For more information see http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/work-programmes/initiatives/pathway-to-partnership/ Last updated: May 2008 _____________________________________________________________
Police Family Violence Policy Update Police The New Zealand Police Family Violence Policy 1996/2 is being updated. The update and a deskfile for frontline staff are due for completion by June 2009. Last updated: July 2008 _____________________________________________________
Police Family Violence Training Police Family violence training for Police is being updated to include training for the national roll out of the new Family violence investigation report form. New training has been developed for all Police Family Violence Coordinators to ensure consistent knowledge, standards and intervention across all Police Districts. A family violence training package for Non-Commissioned Officers (supervisors) is currently being developed. A four hour training package on protection orders has been developed and is currently being finalised. Last updated: July 2008 _______________________________________________________
Police Prosecution Service Family Violence Policy Police The Police Prosecution Service has been developing a deskfile to support prosecution staff in the implementation of the Prosecuting Family Violence policy. A training package is being developed to implement this policy, aligned to other training packages recently developed within Police. Last updated: July 2008 _____________________________________________________
Programmes for Couples and Families Experiencing Violence Ministry of Social Development Family violence programmes for couples and for families will be developed to complement already existing stopping violence programmes for perpetrators and education programmes for adult and child victims. A Working Party including Ministry of Justice and NGOs is being established by the end of 2006. Last updated: December 2006 Project Mauriora Te Puni Kokiri Project Mauriora is the implementation of the Transforming Whanau Violence: A Maori Conceptual Framework report. The project builds the capability of Maori practitioners to provide interventions to Maori who are victims or perpetrators and their whanau, and is managed by Te Korowai Aroha o Aotearoa. Practitioners are being trained in a programme that translates the Maori conceptual framework into transformative practices and sets out appropriate standards of practice to work with whanau. The aim is to have 375 registered and accredited practitioners working with this model of violence intervention throughout Aotearoa by the end of 2006. At present, practitioners are delivering Mauriora in five sites: Tai Tokerau, Kahungunu, Mataatua, and the confederations of Te Ati Awa, and Raukawa. To download the Framework document, go to: www.nzfvc.org.nz/PublicationDetails.aspx?publication=12788. For more information on the programme, see Te Rito News(Aug 2005) at www.familyservices.govt.nz/publications/te-rito-news.html.
Last updated: April 2007 Promoting Youth Non-Violence National Network of Stopping Violence Services Under this project, the National Network of Stopping Violence Services (NNSVS) will be partnering with sporting, education or faith-based organisations, who work directly with youth, to help them develop violence-free environments. The project involves supporting organisations to assess their polices, develop training and resources, and work towards modelling positive, non-violent behaviour. Information and learnings will be gathered from three pilot sites (Manukau, Feilding, and Tasman Bay), where local stopping violence services will collaborate with youth workers and youth organisations. The project also involves promoting non-violence and men’s positive responses to violence in the media and through public speaking. A factsheet on the project can be downloaded from www.nnsvs.org.nz/uploads/docs/Promoting%20Youth%20Non-Violence%20Resource.pdf . For more information contact info@nnsvs.org.nz . Last updated: May 2008 Prosecutions for Non-Attendance at Stopping Violence Programmes Police and Ministry of Justice From April 2008 all new complaints regarding non-attendance at stopping violence programmes which are initiated, following a court direction to attend, will be referred to the New Zealand Police. Police will undertake an investigation into the allegation, and will (where appropriate) prosecute these cases. Formerly the Ministry of Justice Family Court Registrar referred these complaints to the Crown Solicitor for prosecution. A Memorandum of Understanding has been developed between the New Zealand Police and the Ministry of Justice covering all practical aspects of file transfer and documentation required. Last updated: July 2008 _____________________________________________________
Public Health Projects Ministry of Health
Under the Te Rito strategy, the Ministry of Health funded a public health programme for the prevention of family violence. This involved several different projects which are still operating:
Last updated: April 2008 Review of Services for Victims of Crime Ministry of Justice This project is aimed at strengthening victims’ rights and increasing the level of support provided to victims, which includes establishing a central contact point for victims, and building awareness of the standard of service that victims can expect from government agencies. The current focus of the Review of Services for Victims of Crime includes the development of: • A Victims’ Charter • A victims’ website • A victims’ helpline • An identity (or brand) for victims’ information An NGO Working Group has been established to provide technical and expert advice to inform the Ministry of Justice. Last updated: July 2008 _____________________________________________________
Review of the Domestic Violence Act 1995 and Related Legislation Ministry of Justice The Ministry has carried out an issues-based review of the Domestic Violence Act 1995 and related legislation. The purpose of the review was to improve the effectiveness of the legislation relating to domestic violence. A discussion document entitled Review of the Domestic Violence Act 1995 and Related Legislation was released in December 2007. Submissions to the review have now closed. The Ministry is currently analysing the submissions received and intends to seek Cabinet decisions on necessary legislative amendments to the Domestic Violence Act and related legislation in May 2008. Last updated: April 2008 ____________________________________________________
Safer Communities Action Plan to Reduce Community Violence and Sexual Violence Ministry of Justice & Corrections The Guidelines and a DVD for Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) were released in 2006. The Ministry of Justice funds territorial authorities to implement CPTED principles where appropriate. CPTED is a crime prevention philosophy designed to reduce the incidence and fear of crime in communities.
Last updated: April 2008 Specialist Family Violence Courts Ministry of Justice Four specialist family violence criminal courts were established during 2007, one each in Porirua, Upper Hutt, Masterton and Auckland central. Two further Family Violence Courts will be established in 2008. Evaluations of the dedicated family violence courts now operating in Manukau and Waitakere are currently underway.
Last updated: April 2008 Strong and Safe Communities - Effective Interventions for Adult Victims of Sexual Violence Ministry of Women’s Affairs This research project will identify New Zealand’s sexual violence conviction rate and the key points at which, and reasons why, different groups of victims opt in and out of the criminal justice system. The research involves a literature review, an environmental scan of key informants, a victim/survivor study and will also track attrition through the criminal justice system. The research will provide evidence-based advice to improve the safety and longer term wellbeing of adult victims of sexual violence, and to increase offender accountability. The research project began in July 2007 and will run until 2009. If you are interested in participating in the research, please go to our website for further information http://www.mwa.govt.nz/our-work/svrproject/svnews. Last updated: July 2008 _____________________________________________________
Taskforce for Action on Sexual Violence Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Women's Affairs The Taskforce for Action on Sexual Violence (TASV) was established in July 2007 to lead and coordinate interagency action to prevent and respond to adult sexual violence. The TASV provides an opportunity to build on the activity undertaken through the Safer Communities Action Plan to Reduce Community Violence and Sexual Violence and to complement the work of the Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families. The TASV comprises the chief executives of Justice, Women’s Affairs, Police, Corrections, Social Development, Health, Education, Pacific Island Affairs, ACC and Te Puni Kōkiri, four representatives from the National Network Ending Sexual Violence Together (NNEST) and a member of the Judiciary. NNEST has been recognised as the official non-government representative body for the Taskforce as it represents the vast majority of organisations and individuals working in the sexual violence sector in New Zealand. The TASV is focused on sexual violence towards adults although some areas of its work may require change to systems and structures that relate to, or impact upon, children and adolescents. The TASV work programme comprises initiatives that cover a broad range of areas - from prevention and education to crisis and longer-term support for victims; offender treatment and management; and the responsiveness of the criminal justice system. The TASV will provide an interim report to Cabinet by 31 July 2008 and a final report by 31 July 2009 that will include comprehensive advice on progress made, future working arrangements and priority areas for further work. Last updated: April 2008 ____________________________________________________
Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families Ministry of Social Development
Following the release of Opportunity for All New Zealanders, which identified family violence as a priority issue for Government, a Family Violence Ministerial Team and an Interagency Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families were established to provide leadership at the highest levels of government, and to build on the work progressing under the Te Rito New Zealand Family Violence Prevention Strategy (see below). The Taskforce is made up of Chief Executives from the Police, ACC and the Ministries of Social Development, Education, Health, Justice, Pacific Island Affairs, Te Puni Kokiri, Women’s Affairs, as well as the Chief District Court Judge, the Principal Family Court Judge, five non-government organisation representatives, the Children’s Commissioner, and the Chief Families Commissioner. The Taskforce is looking at what can be done immediately and what longer term actions are needed to eliminate society's tolerance of family violence, and achieve our vision of families and whanau living free of violence. The Taskforce’s First Report was released in July 2006. This report outlines the first programme of action, including actions around developing leadership, changing attitudes and behaviours, ensuring safety and accountability, and effective support services. An Ongoing Programme of Action was published in December 2007 and outlines four principle areas of the work of the Taskforce: sustained collaboration; a focus on those things that make the biggest difference; community-driven leadership; and learning as we go. For the Taskforce reports see http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/work-programmes/initiatives/action-family-violence/taskforce-work.html Last updated: April 2008 Te Rito Collaborative Fund Ministry of Social Development
Funding was approved in the 2003 Budget for funding of $5.840 million over four years to establish a contestable fund for community-based collaborative initiatives to prevent family violence. Thirty collaborative networks around New Zealand have been funded to undertake projects on collaboration, education, awareness and training. The project was originally managed by Child Youth and Family, but since mid-2006, MSD Family and Community Services have taken this over. A process/formative evaluation of the project was completed in July 2006, and the outcome evaluation is due to finish in June 2007. Last updated: April 2007 Te Rito Family Violence Prevention Strategy Ministry of Social Development The Te Rito strategy was released in 2002, and sets out the government’s plan for preventing family violence in New Zealand. The Strategy was developed by a National Executive made up of government and non-government representatives. It outlined 18 Areas of Action in a five year plan. Four years on, some of the Action Areas have progressed faster than others, and some have been combined. The Taskforce for Action on Violence Within Families was established in 2005 to reinvigorate and progress Te Rito. Several work-steams are still progressing under the Te Rito Strategy. Read the Strategy: http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/planning-strategy/te-rito/ Last updated: April 2008
Violence in the Media Families Commission Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families has commissioned a paper on the impact of violence within the media on children and young people and will be convening an advisory group on the issue. For more information see the Taskforce monitoring reports at http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/work-programmes/initiatives/action-family-violence/taskforce-work.html Last updated: May 2008 _____________________________________________________
Work and Income Family Violence Intervention Programme Ministry of Social Development The Family Violence Intervention Programme delivered through Work and Income recognises that New Zealand has a high rate of family violence and that many victims are likely to be clients of Work and Income. Service Centres are an excellent point of contact to identify and support them. Work and Income case managers have been trained to identify and respond appropriately to clients who are living in or leaving violent family situations. The Family Violence Intervention Programme is available to any Work and Income clients affected by family violence. Case managers can provide clients with information about local family violence support services or stopping violence services so they can seek support. Work and Income have developed strong working relationships with other government agencies and community family violence prevention agencies to support families affected by family violence. Family Violence Response Co-ordinators have been appointed in each region to support case managers and liaise with local support services. Wallet-sized brochures developed by community agencies such as Jigsaw, Women’s Refuge and Brainwave Trust are available free of charge to community organisations and can be ordered from: www.familyservices.govt.nz/our-work/preventing-violence/intervention-programme.html
Last updated April 2008 |
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