Review of family violence laws: Government discussion document released

Update: Submissions now close on 25 September 2015. Justice Minister Amy Adams has released a discussion document on New Zealand's legislative response to family violence.

The Clearinghouse has published a reading guide to assist people making submissions. It provides access to relevant research and legislation, from New Zealand and internationally. It covers a wide range of topics relevant to the review.

Strengthening New Zealand’s legislative response to family violence: A public discussion document, a summary and information about how to make submissions is available on the Ministry of Justice website. Submissions deadline is now 25 September 2015.

The discussion document sets out preliminary ideas and questions, rather than a proposed package of reforms. It covers a range of issues in five parts: understanding family violence, victim safety, prosecuting family violence perpetrators, an additional pathway to safety, and better services for victims, perpetrators and whānau.

The discussion document is the first step in a process. After the consultation period, Ministry of Justice officials will provide policy options to the Justice Minister. The Justice Minister may then seek Cabinet's agreement to her preferred options. If Cabinet agrees, a Bill will be drafted. There would then be an opportunity for making submissions on the Bill to a Parliamentary Select Committee.

The discussion paper was broadly welcomed by Women's Refuge, Shine, White Ribbon, the Green Party and the Labour Party. Responses to the discussion document are in the media coverage below.