Hon Amy Adams
Minister of Justice
5 August 2015
Family violence initiatives making an impact one year on
A suite of Government initiatives has built momentum for efforts to reduce New Zealand’s horrific family violence
track-record, says Justice Minister Amy Adams.
Ms Adams today launched a review into New Zealand’s family violence legislation – the latest milestone related to the
package of measures announced by Prime Minister John Key in July 2014.
“Just over a year ago, this Government made a firm commitment to push back against the scourge of family and sexual
violence,” Ms Adams says.
“The level of family violence in New Zealand is appalling. Last year alone, more than 100,000 incidents were reported to
Police –around one every five minutes. What’s more, nearly half of all homicides and reported violent crimes are family
violence-related.
“The legislation review is one of many ways we’re striving to get victims the help they need, hold perpetrators to
account, and stop family violence from happening in the first place.”
Minister of Justice Amy Adams and Social Development Minster Anne Tolley also recently announced a new Ministerial work
programme focused on improving and better coordinating the Government’s overall system for addressing family violence
and sexual violence.
“We’re dealing with an immensely complex issue, and we can and will do more,” Ms Adams says.
“The initiatives announced last year added momentum to the whole-of-government approach to dealing with these problems.
Our next phase, such as the new work programme, will help chart a course that leads to real and lasting change.”
ends