Media Statement – for immediate release 14.09.06

Politicians Need to Walk the Talk over Family Violence

Women and children continue to be murdered in New Zealand while the cross party talks to address family violence founder.

Family violence experts are calling for politicians to walk the talk and put party politics aside following the breakdown of the cross party initiative to address family violence.

"The Government demands that we work collaboratively in our communities. Politicians need to model this by putting aside party politics," Brian Gardner, national manager of the National Network of Stopping Violence Services, said.

"We want a commitment that transcends individual parties so that if the government changes, the determination to reduce and prevent family violence stays the same.

"This is what we hope for and expect from the cross-party initiative."

Since the death of the Kahui twins in June, levels of domestic violence continue to shock those working with victims.

"A woman was stabbed to death in Christchurch last week while a two year old child watched from the back seat of the car. Mairina Dunn was beaten to death in Whangarei less than three weeks ago. Tauranga police at the weekend reported a spate of violent attacks on women and their new partners by ex-partners. Two men have been sentenced in the last fortnight for horrific murders of their ex-partners."

"The violence goes on. New Zealanders are dying. Families are being torn apart. Evidence and research show that we have to work together at all levels if we are to truly make domestic violence unacceptable in this country," Mr Gardner said.

The National Network is the umbrella organisation for 33 agencies working with perpetrators and victims of family violence.

ENDS

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