Te Ohaaki A Hine- National Network Ending Sexual Violence Together (TOAH-NNEST) welcome the recent announcement from
Justice Minister Amy Adams that a pilot programme regarding sexual violence cases will be trialled in the Auckland and
Whangarei courts. Judge Jan Marie Doogue noted the negative impacts on victims due to the current lack of timeliness in
such court proceedings and indicated that the aim of the pilot is to reduce adjournments and delays. TOAH-NNEST believes
that timeliness would greatly improve the court experience for victims of sexual violence and are delighted that the
pilot programme includes specialist sexual violence training for judges.
Chairperson of the TOAH-NNEST Tauiwi caucus; Maggy Tai Rakena said today “Over the course of many years trying to
support children, youth and adult victims of sexual violence to navigate New Zealand’s court system, the sector has been
repeatedly disappointed by the lack of understanding demonstrated by many involved in all aspects of the court system.
Judges live in our communities and are affected by public misconceptions about sexual violence. It is wonderful to hear
that a professional education programme will be made available to them and thereby better enable them to undertake their
complex role.”
Nga Kaitiaki Mauri Kaitakawaenga Sandz Peipi of TOAH-NNEST anticipates that “the trial will provide opportunity for
robust review and evaluation by all those who will utilize the court system inclusive of the specialist sexual violence
sector.”
As a national network, TOAH-NNEST looks forward to working with Minister Adams and the Justice department to support
better outcomes for victims of sexual violence that choose to access the Court process.
End.