Saving Our Children With An Open Family Court
Thursday 2 Sep 2004
Dr Muriel Newman - Press Releases - Social Welfare
ACT New Zealand Deputy Leader and Social Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today urged Chief Family Court Judge Peter
Boshier to continue his push for more openness in the Family Court.
"I urge Judge Boshier to support the fight against domestic violence and child abuse by having a Family Court that is
open," Dr Muriel Newman said.
"The Care of Children Bill currently before Parliament is a step in the right direction towards greater openness, but
it does not go far enough. As Judge Boshier is aware: if we want to stop child abuse, then the true stories that the
court hears on a daily basis of what happens in violent households must be exposed.
"Child abuse and domestic violence are issues that attack the sensibilities of right-thinking law-abiding New
Zealanders, who want to see every Kiwi child given the best possible chance to succeed.
"Only when we have a Family Court that is open to public scrutiny will the hard facts be known, and the problems
recognised by the wider public.
"Judges, officials and social sector workers frequently tell us that protecting children is a community responsibility.
Yet it is difficult for the community to accept what really needs to be done when the Family Court hides and protects
the vast majority of abusers.
"Making the public acutely aware of the extent of violence that is being perpetrated in many homes around the country
is the only way to bring about change. Then, and only then, will we be able to protect and nurture these children who
are so vulnerable," Dr Newman said.
ENDS