Vine Quick Reads: 5 June 2026

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Consultation open on Legislation (Definition of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill

The Social Services and Community Select Committee is seeking public submission on the Legislation (Definition of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill. The bill would amend the Legislation Act 2019 by adding a definition of “woman” as “an adult human biological female” and of “man” as “an adult human biological male”, with corresponding definitions for “male” and “female”. For more, see Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission’s media release and Massey University Professor, Mohan Dutta’s opinion piece. The complete bill as well as instructions on how to make a submission are available at the top link above.

Consultation closes Thursday 2 July 2026.

Consultation open on bill to tighten benefit eligibility for young people

The Social Services and Community Select Committee is seeking public submissions on the Social Security (Jobseeker Support and Accommodation Supplement) Amendment Bill. The bill aims to:

• Tighten eligibility criteria for jobseeker support and the equivalent emergency benefit for young people aged 18 and 19, and for those aged 16 and 17 in some circumstances
• Targets the accommodation supplement more tightly to some homeowners.

The complete bill as well as instructions on how to make a submission are available at the link above. For more, see RNZ’s story.

Consultation closes Wednesday 10 June 2026.

Consultation open on Disability Support Services Bill

The Social Services and Community Select Committee is seeking public submissions on the Disability Support Services Bill. The bill’s proposed legislative framework for disability support services (DSS) would, among other things:

• clarify that responsibility for care of disabled people rests in the first instance with their family and whānau, where appropriate
• mitigate the Crown’s fiscal and litigation risks arising from, or related to, the Supreme Court case Fleming v Attorney-General [2025].

The complete bill as well as instructions on how to make a submission are available at the link above.

Consultation closes Friday 12 June 2026.

Sexual Violence Workforce Capability Frameworks released

The Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention have released the Sexual Violence Workforce Capability Frameworks (2026). The Capability Frameworks set out guidelines and benchmarks for a shared language and understanding for sexual violence workers and organisations. The document contains:

• Information on understanding sexual violence workforce capability
• The Sexual Violence Organisational Standards
• The Sexual Violence Essential to Expert Workforce Capability Framework

A Companion Guide has also been released.

Consultation open on Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill

The Justice Select Committee is seeking public submissions on the Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill. The bill would give new powers to Police to ‘move-on’ people aged 14 and older engaging in disorderly or criminal, and sometimes criminal, behaviour, especially around retail and hospitality premises. Disorderly or disruptive behaviour includes unreasonably obstructing entry to a trade or business, breaching the peace, begging, rough sleeping, or indicating an intent to inhabit a public place. The complete bill as well as instructions on how to make a submission are available at the link above. For more, see Justice and Police Ministers’ joint media release, Hāpai te Hauora’s media release, The Herald and Waatea News.

Consultation closes Thursday 3 July 2026.

New stalking law now in force, implementation factsheets released

The Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Act 2025 came into force in May 2026. Te Tāhū o Te Ture | Ministry of Justice has released two factsheets on the new law: Stalking and harassment law: "Information for organisations working with victim-survivors" and "Information for people affected by stalking and harassment".

2025 Transparency Report: Digital Child Exploitation released

Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) have released their 2025 Transparency Report: Digital Child Exploitation. The report provides an overview of the online child sexual exploitation landscape in Aotearoa, sharing key data and insights on referral volumes, investigations, the digital child exploitation filtering systems, our international footprint, and prevention and education activities. For more, see DIA’s press release, Online child exploitation reports linked to NZ up 29%, or RNZ’s coverage, AI-generated imagery part of boom in online child exploitation.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Consultation open on Legislation (Definition of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill
• Consultation open on bill to tighten benefit eligibility for young people
• Consultation open on Disability Support Services Bill
• Sexual Violence Workforce Capability Frameworks released
• Consultation open on Summary Offences (Move-on Orders) Amendment Bill
• New stalking law now in force, implementation factsheets released
• 2025 Transparency Report: Digital Child Exploitation released

Spotlight on: Violence Prevention hub

Vine Quick Reads: 29 May 2026

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Overseas Adoptions Legislation Bill open for submissions

The Justice Select Committee is calling for submissions on the Overseas Adoptions Legislation Bill. The bill (view here) would repeal the Adoption Act 1955 and replace the Adoption Amendment Act 2025, and:

• set out the circumstances in which an application for an adoption order could be made to the Family Court
• set limitations regarding citizenship, visas, and entry permissions on overseas adoptions that are not adoptions under the Hague Convention
• create a process by which a country may become designated as having sufficient safeguards surrounding international adoption, opening pathways for entry into New Zealand under the Immigration Act 2009

For an overview of the changes and process maps for New Zealand’s recognition and implementation of international adoptions, see Nicole McKee’s media release.

Consultation closes Tuesday, 23 June 2026.

Deepfake Digital Harm and Exploitation Bill open for submissions

The Social Services and Community Committee is calling for submissions on the Deepfake Digital Harm and Exploitation Bill. The bill would change the definition of “intimate visual recording” within the Crimes Act 1961 and the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 to include images that are created, synthesised, or altered to appear to be intimate visual images. For more, see media coverage from RNZ and Stuff.

Consultation closes Friday, 19 June 2026.

Kaupapa Māori guide to responding to stalking & coercive control released by Auckland Women’s Centre

The Auckland Women’s Centre (AWC) has released Recognising and Responding to Stalking and Coercive Control: A Kaupapa Māori resource guide for whānau Māori experiencing stalking and coercive control (2026). The guide was commissioned by AWC, written by Tū Tama Wahine o Taranaki and reviewed by wāhine Māori with lived experience of being stalked.

Family Violence and Sexual Violence Advisory Group announced

The Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence has announced the appointees to the new Family Violence and Sexual Violence Advisory Group. The members of the new Advisory group are:

• Debra ‘Debbs’ Murray (Chair)
• Matthew ‘Matt’ Brown
• Petter Anthony ‘Tony’ Chamberlain
• Caroline Herewini
• Patricia ‘Trish’ McMurtie
• Chrystal Walker

Netsafe launch Digital Guardian Guide, new resource for staying safe online

Netsafe has launched their Digital Guardian Guide, a resource and knowledge hub designed to help parents and guardians keep young people safe online. The guide contains practical age and stage-specific advice and resources, including downloadable resources, interactive tools, podcast series, and over 200 pages of information and advice. The resources are grouped into collections, such as ‘Preparing for a first device,’ ‘Learning about chatting and online relationships,’ and ‘Responding when something doesn’t feel right.’ For more, see Netsafe’s media release.

Children’s Monitoring Group release explainer, ‘Making the online world safe for children’

The Children’s Monitoring Group (CMG) have released Making the online world safe for children. The explainer, which calls for recognition of children and young people’s participatory rights online, covers four questions:

1. How can we make the online world safe for children?
2. What are children saying about the digital world?
3. How do children’s rights apply in the online world?
4. What needs to happen now to keep children safe online?

The explainer responds to growing calls, internationally and domestically, for a social media ban on those under the age of 16. For a summary, see the CMG’s media release, Experts urge government to go beyond a ban to build effective online safety law for children. For media coverage, see Stuff’s story.

This Quick Reads contains:

• Overseas Adoptions Legislation Bill open for submissions
• Deepfake Digital Harm and Exploitation Bill open for submissions
• Kaupapa Māori guide to responding to stalking & coercive control released by AWC
• Family Violence and Sexual Violence Advisory Group announced
• Netsafe launch Digital Guardian Guide, new resource for staying safe online
• Children’s Monitoring Group release explainer, ‘Making the online world safe for children’

Spotlight on: Ko Whānui

Vine Quick Reads: 19 May 2026 - United Nations updates

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. This edition of the Quick Reads rounds up a number of updates from UN entities that might be of interest to the sector.

New policy paper on strengthening gender-responsive and disability-inclusive transformative care and support

UN Women have released a new policy paper: Towards a better future: Strengthening gender-responsive and disability-inclusive transformative care and support (2026). It provides key insights into the intersection of gender and disability within care and support environments. It emphasizes that developing comprehensive and inclusive care systems is essential for promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of both care recipients and caregivers, especially persons with disabilities.

New discussion brief on intergenerational approaches to access to justice for adolescent girls and older women

UN Women have released a new discussion brief: Intergenerational approaches to access to justice across the life-course: Barriers and policy pathways for adolescent girls and older women (2026). It outlines the global context framing the justice gap across the life-course; barriers preventing adolescent girls and older women from accessing justice, including shared and age-specific dimensions; and policy and programme recommendations to build more inclusive, responsive, and accountable justice systems.

Call for input on documenting, investigating, and preventing unlawful deaths of older persons

The Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions is calling for inputs to inform his report on documenting, investigating, and preventing arbitrary deprivation of life of older persons to the 81st session of the General Assembly. The Rapporteur invites insights into potentially unlawful deaths of older persons worldwide and the main contexts in which older persons face a heightened risk of unlawful death. For information on how to submit and a full list of key questions to respond to, see the link above.

Submissions are due Thursday, 4 June 2026.

Call for inputs on the rights of persons with disabilities, discrimination against women and girls with disabilities, and combatting disability-based violence

The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is calling for inputs on three related zero-draft documents:

1. Draft General Comment on article 29 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (right of persons with disabilities to participation in political and public life).
2. Draft Guidelines on identifying and addressing intersectional discrimination against women and girls with disabilities.
3. Draft Guidelines on identifying and addressing disability-based violence.

Guidelines for feedback and the link to submit is available here.

Submissions are due Monday, 15 June 2026.

New gender alert on the immediate and long-term impact of the military escalation in the Middle East on women and girls

UN Women have released a gender alert: The immediate and long-term impact of the military escalation in the Middle East on women and girls (2026). It examines how the recent military escalation in the Middle East is affecting women and girls, both immediately and over time. It calls for immediate and coordinated efforts to protect women and girls, ensure access to humanitarian assistance, support livelihoods, and include women in peace and recovery processes. It stresses that advancing gender equality is essential to building lasting peace and resilience.

New advocacy brief on the cost of war in Gaza on women and girls

UN Women have released a new advocacy brief: The cost of war in Gaza on women and girls (2026). It examines how the war has impacted women and girls since October 2023. It draws on recent data and analysis to track patterns of violence, displacement, and service breakdowns, with a focus on how these experiences differ for women and girls over time. The report calls for stronger protection of civilians, improved data collection, and targeted humanitarian support.

Call for input on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association for youth activism

The Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association is calling for inputs to inform her report on youth activism, including youth-led organizations, movements and protests, for the 81st session of the General Assembly. The Rapporteur invites input from civil society and governments, but also from youth activists worldwide about their experiences, challenges they face and good practices in exercising their activism. For information on how to submit and a full list of key questions to respond to, see the link above.

Submissions are due Friday, 5 June 2026.

Call for inputs on combatting the glorification of Nazism

The Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism is calling for inputs to inform her thematic report on combatting the glorification of Nazism to the 81st session of the General Assembly. The Rapporteur invites non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to provide insights and information on discrimination, intolerance, racist and xenophobic violence. For information on how to submit and a full list of key questions to respond to, see the link above.

Submissions are due Friday, 19 June 2026.

This Quick Reads covers:

• New policy paper on strengthening gender-responsive and disability-inclusive transformative care and support
• New discussion brief on intergenerational approaches to access to justice for adolescent girls and older women
• Call for input on documenting, investigating, and preventing unlawful deaths of older persons
• Call for inputs on the rights of persons with disabilities, discrimination against women and girls with disabilities, and combatting disability-based violence
• New gender alert on the immediate and long-term impact of the military escalation in the Middle East on women and girls
• New advocacy brief on the cost of war in Gaza on women and girls
• Call for input on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association for youth activism
• Call for inputs on combatting the glorification of Nazism

Spotlight on: Vine’s survey! (Closing Wednesday 20 May 2026)

Vine Quick Reads: 14 May 2026

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

New report on ethnic and migrant women’s experience of family court following disclosures of family violence

Shama has released a new report: Navigating safety and justice in Aotearoa New Zealand: ethnic and migrant women’s experiences before, during and after the Family Court following disclosure of family violence (2026). The report explores how ethnic and migrant women experience New Zealand’s justice system when seeking help for family or sexual violence, with a particular focus on the Family Court. The study highlights barriers, challenges, and opportunities for improving access, safety, and fairness for ethnic women navigating court processes.

Consultation open on the Drug Overdose (Assistance Protection) Legislation Bill

The Health Select Committee is calling for submissions on the Drug Overdose (Assistance Protection) Legislation Bill. This Bill is intended to reduce barriers to calling for life-saving assistance and to help prevent avoidable overdose deaths. It provides protection from prosecution for specified low-level drug offences for people seeking urgent medical assistance in the event of an adverse drug reaction or overdose. These protections would apply to the person seeking help, the person experiencing the overdose or adverse reaction, and others incidentally present at the scene. It also protects parolees who have conditions on drug use. Information on how to make a submission is available at the link above. Consultation closes Tuesday 16 June 2026.

ACC releases ‘Little Matters’, child sexual abuse prevention resource

ACC has released Little Matters, a resource to help prevent child sexual abuse. The resource is designed to help families take small, achievable actions daily that help build clarity, respect and connection. The resource contains 10 Little Matters that families can incorporate into their daily lives, including not keeping secrets, using real words to describe the body, and learning one’s feelings. For more, see ACC’s media release.

New report from the New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey (NZCVS)

Te Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice has released NZCVS Key Stories 2025 (Cycle 8) (2026). The report highlights findings from Cycle 8 of the New Zealand Crime and Victim Survey, including findings related to family violence. It describes trends for key offence types and perceptions of the justice system by demographic groups. See more from the NZCVS.

New UN Women report on online violence against women

UN Women have published Tipping point: Online violence impacts, manifestations, and redress in the AI age (2026), the second instalment in their Tipping Point series. This report examines how online violence against women in public life is becoming more technologically sophisticated, more invasive, and more damaging in the age of artificial intelligence. For more, see our story covering the first Tipping Point report: New evidence brief on the escalation of online violence against women in the public sphere.

Report evaluates safety of social media platforms for LGBTQ users

GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organisation, has released its sixth annual Social Media Safety Index (2026). The Social Media Safety Index evaluates public-facing policies related to LGBTQ safety, privacy, and expression across six major social media platforms: TikTok, YouTube, X, and Meta’s Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. For an overview, see GLAAD’s media release.

This Quick Reads covers:

• New report on ethnic and migrant women’s experience of family court following disclosures of FV
• Consultation open on the Drug Overdose (Assistance Protection) Legislation Bill
• ACC releases ‘Little Matters’, child sexual abuse prevention resource
• New report from the New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey (NZCVS)
• New UN Women report on online violence against women
• Report evaluates safety of social media platforms for LGBTQ users

Spotlight on: Vine’s survey! (Closing 20 May 2026)

Vine Quick Reads: 7 May 2026

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

New Easy Read guide on sex and consent

Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa and IHC have developed a new Easy Read guide on sexual consent for people with learning disabilities: Easy Read – Consent for Sex (2026). This Easy Read guide discusses consent, pornography, contraception, and other considerations when having sex. Easy Read is an internationally recognised tool for making information accessible for people with learning disabilities. For more Easy Read guides on topics including education, housing, transport and travel, see People First NZ’s Easy Read Library.

Human Rights Commission releases survey on human rights and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission have released Human rights and Te Tiriti/Treaty issues. This report contains the results of the Commission’s 2025 survey of New Zealanders’ awareness, understanding and attitudes to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, human rights and New Zealand’s constitution. For an overview, see the Commission’s media release. See also the 2023 survey and the 2024 survey.

Consultation open on Modern Slavery Bill

The Education and Workforce Committee is calling for submissions on the Modern Slavery Bill. This bill seeks to implement a statutory framework to strengthen and coordinate actions to combat modern slavery. It includes new requirements to report and track progress to combat modern slavery, and to consider whether support for victims is adequate as part of regular reviews of legislation and policy. The full contents of the bill can be found at the link above. The closing date for submissions is Thursday 28 May 2026.

This Quick Reads covers:

• New Easy Read guide on sex and consent
• Human Rights Commission releases survey on human rights and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Consultation open on Modern Slavery Bill

Spotlight on: Vine's Survey!

Vine Quick Reads: 1 May 2026

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

New report: Social Cohesion in New Zealand 2026

The Helen Clark Foundation has published their second annual Social Cohesion in New Zealand (2026) report. Researchers surveyed the public about five different dimensions of social cohesion:

• Sense of belonging
• Sense of worth
• Social inclusion and justice
• Participation
• Acceptance and rejection.

This year’s survey includes additional questions about the use of social media and its impact on society. For an overview, see the reports landing page and the Foundation’s press release. For media coverage, see Stuff NZ.

Public Service Commission releases Performance Improvement Review of the New Zealand Police

Te Kawa Mataaho | Public Service Commission has released their report, Performance Improvement Review of the New Zealand Police (2026). The report outlines three major challenges currently facing Police that require immediate intervention:

• Police integrity
• Police capacity to address traditional crime while adapting to increasingly complex, digital and transnational emerging threats
• Police corporate performance in the face of fiscal pressures.

See Police’s media release, which includes their response to the report, their implementation plan of the report’s recommendations, and their Integrity Action Plan 2025-2027. For more, see RNZ’s coverage.

Amnesty International release 2026 report on state of the world’s human rights

Amnesty international have published The State of the World’s Human Rights: April 2026. The report assesses national, regional and global developments taking place in 2025 across a wide range of human rights themes. It documents human rights concerns in 144 countries, including in Aotearoa New Zealand, connecting global and regional issues and looking to the future.

This Quick Reads covers:

• New report: Social Cohesion in New Zealand 2026
• Public Service Commission releases Performance Improvement Review of the New Zealand Police
• Amnesty International release 2026 report on state of the world’s human rights

Spotlight on: Vine's Survey!

Vine Quick Reads: 24 April 2026

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Public consultation on Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy

Manatū Hauora | Ministry of Health is seeking feedback on its draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. This strategy will guide how the health system improves mental health and wellbeing in New Zealand over the next 10 years. Feedback will help shape the final strategy and a three-year implementation plan to drive change and accountability. The draft strategy, a consultation summary, and feedback instructions provided in multiple formats are available at the link above. Consultation closes Monday, 18 May 2026.

New resource on trans and gender diverse inclusion in violence prevention

A new resource for inclusive prevention practice has been released: Allyship in action: frameworks for trans and gender diverse inclusion in prevention of gender-based violence initiatives (2026). This resource, produced in partnership by Zoe Belle Gender Collective and Women’s Health in the North, provides a framework and practical tips for practitioners and organisations to embed trans and gender diverse inclusion in primary prevention work.

New report explores sustainability in trauma and violence-informed responses to gender-based violence

The Knowledge Hub, a project of the Centre for Research and Education on Violence against Women and Children (CREVAWC), has published Advancing trauma- and violence-informed responses to gender-based and family violence: An exploration of sustainability (2026). The report outlines four connected domains of sustainability, each rooted in the need for stable, long-term funding that supports ongoing delivery and data-informed adaptation. The four domains are:

• Positive outcomes for victim-survivors
• Sustaining effective programmes
• Sustaining workforce knowledge and skills
• Sustaining relationships, collaboration, and organisational capacity

You can find more reports and resources from the Knowledge Hub on their Reports page.

Netsafe update online harm reporting

Netsafe have launched a new set of reporting forms to make it easier to report online harm and clearly describe what is happening. The updated forms guide users through key questions, helping them explain the situation and the impact it’s having. There are now 9 forms covering different types of harm:

• Bullying & harassment
• Nudes & private content
• Child sexual abuse material
• School incidents
• Personal and financial information misuse
• Scams
• Digital stalking & spyware
• Hate speech, extremism & misinformation
• Other (for when the harm is different)

You can see the new forms and report online harm at http://www.netsafe.org.nz/report-online.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Public consultation on Mental Health Wellbeing Strategy
• New resource on trans and gender diverse inclusion in violence prevention
• New report explores sustainability in trauma and violence-informed responses to gender-based violence
• Netsafe update online harm reporting

Spotlight on: Vine's survey!

Vine Quick Reads: 10 April 2026

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Evaluation of Multi-Agency Responses to family violence released by the Centre

The Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention has released the Multi-Agency Responses: Outcomes Evaluation (2025). The independent evaluation undertaken by Ihi Research and Wellbeing Economics NZ focused on four local multi-agency responses to family violence in Canterbury, Wairoa, Tairāwhiti and Rotorua. Evaluators looked at what worked, what drove positive outcomes for victim-survivors and people using violence, and the monetary value of investing in this approach.

Findings from Youth Health and Wellbeing Survey 2025 released

Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora | Ministry of Social Development has released the findings from the Youth Health and Wellbeing Survey 2025. The 2025 survey merges and continues the What About Me? and Youth2000 surveys to help track trends from the past 25 years onward. The 2025 survey also includes new questions on social media, screen time and aspirations for the future, and presents a refreshed snapshot of youth psychological distress.

Clarification of processes to lift automatic name suppression

The Criminal Procedure Amendment Rules 2026 are now in effect, which establish a clear and consistent process for victim/survivors in sexual offences to apply for an order to lift automatic name suppression for themselves or a defendant/offender. Applications for identity publication orders can be made at any time, including after the case is closed. For further information on name suppression and identity publication orders, see Name Suppression | Victim Information.

New research on technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) in Pacific Island countries

A new article has been published (open access) in the journal, Violence Against Women: Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence: A Mixed-Methods Study of Practitioners in Pacific Island Countries (2026). TFGBV practitioners from nine Pacific Island countries were asked about their experiences and perspectives of what TFGBV looks like, as well as the barriers and challenges that exist for victim-survivors of TFGBV in Pacific Island countries. For an overview, see the Conversation’s Women in the Pacific are increasingly subject to digital abuse: new research.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Evaluation of Multi-Agency Responses to family violence released by the Centre
• Findings from Youth Health and Wellbeing Survey 2025 released
• Clarification of processes to lift automatic name suppression
• New research on technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) in Pacific Island countries

Spotlight on: the Calendar

Vine Quick Reads: 1 April 2026

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

This week we continue our new ‘Spotlight On’ feature. Each week for the next few months the Spotlight will shine on a different area of our website. We hope you will take a moment to learn more about the resources available through our mahi at Vine.

Consultation on the Ministry for Women’s 2026 Long-term Insights Briefing

Manatū Wāhine | Ministry for Women is seeking feedback on its draft Long-term Insights Briefing (LTIB), "Free to Lead: Tackling the effects of online harm on the pipeline of future women leaders". The draft briefing contains:

• what the Ministry knows about the nature and scale of online harm
• why it is a growing problem
• the risks to the future of women in leadership
• what is already being done and what more could be done to create a better future for women in leadership

Consultation closes Thursday, 9 April 2026.

CEDAW seeking comments on draft general recommendation on gender stereotypes

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is seeking feedback on their draft general recommendation on gender stereotypes. The Committee’s final recommendations will provide guidance on the legislative, policy, and other relevant measures States can undertake to dismantle the gender stereotypes that uphold gendered inequalities. Submission guidelines and the draft recommendations can be found at the link above. Consultation closes 6 May 2026.

New reports on violence prevention in South Asian LGBTQIA+ communities and LGBTQIA+ rights in Aotearoa

Adhikaar Aotearoa have published two reports on LGBTQIA+ issues in Aotearoa. "Notions of safety": preventing family and sexual violence in South Asian LGBTQIA+ communities in Aotearoa New Zealand (2026) explores the conditions of safety and unsafety within South Asian LGBTGIA+ communities through qualitative interviews with 9 victim-survivors of violence. LGBTI+ rights in Aotearoa New Zealand: the past and the future (2026) explores the history of LGBTQI+ law reform in Aotearoa and provides a potential roadmap for its future.

New report published on the wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities in Aotearoa

IHC New Zealand have published From data to dignity: health and wellbeing indicators for New Zealanders with intellectual disability (2026), which builds on the original 2023 report of the same name using updated data from Stats NZ’s Integrated Data Infrastructure. The report gathers data on 38 wellbeing indicators for people with intellectual disabilities, covering areas such as health, housing, safety and income. Findings have also been broken down by gender, age, and ethnicity wherever possible. For more, see RNZ’s Data reveals scale of disadvantage for people with intellectual disability.

For related research, see Shining a light on blindness: an analysis of outcomes for working age New Zealanders who are blind and visually impaired (2025).

New resource: Supporting children and young people experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence

Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety (ANROWS) have released a new practitioner resource: Supporting children and young people experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence (2026). This resource aims to strengthen the safety and recovery responses of frontline workers when working with children and young people experiencing violence. It covers five practice areas that offer diverse, evidence-informed prompts to apply in everyday practice.

This Quick Reads cover:

• Consultation on the Ministry for Women’s 2026 Long-term Insights Briefing
• CEDAW seeking comments on draft general recommendation on gender stereotypes
• New reports on prevention in South Asian LGBTQIA+ communities and LGBTQIA+ rights in Aotearoa
• New report published on the wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities in Aotearoa
• New resource: Supporting children and young people experiencing violence

Spotlight on: Te reo Māori and the Vine Library

Vine Quick Reads: 27 March 2026

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

This week we continue our new ‘Spotlight On’ feature. Each week for the next few months the Spotlight will shine on a different area of our website. We hope you will take a moment to learn more about the resources available through our mahi at Vine.

Consultation open on Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) Years 0-10

Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | the Ministry of Education is seeking feedback on the draft National Curriculum for Years 0-10. The consultation covers all subjects, including RSE as part of the Health and Physical Education. Te Wāhi Wāhine o Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland Women’s Centre have put together an RSE submission guide to support feedback. The consultation closes Friday, 24 April 2026.

Greater protections for people giving evidence in Family Court now in effect

The Evidence (Giving Family Violence Evidence in Family Court Proceedings) Amendment Act 2025 established greater protections for witnesses giving evidence of family violence in Family Court Proceedings. Family violence victims/witnesses can choose to give evidence in different ways, including but not limited to:

• from behind a screen in a courtroom
• in a witness room inside the court building by closed circuit TV
• by audio visual link from another location

Written notice must be given at least 28 days prior to the proceedings. The entitlement applies to proceedings started on or after 26 February 2026. See the full Act here.

New resource on the manosphere and its impacts

ANROWS have released a new resource for educators in partnership with Monash University: An Introductory Guide to the Manosphere and the Impacts for Young People, Teachers and Schools (2026). The guide aims to help educators understand and respond to the growing influence of manosphere content in young people’s online worlds.

New research on gendered violence and disengagement from online incel communities

The Australian Institute of Criminology has published Disengagement from online misogynistic incel communities and its implications for attitudes to gendered violence (2026). Researchers surveyed former incels, exploring their motivations and strategies for leaving and any subsequent changes to misogynistic attitudes. For more, see RNZ: Men can get out of the manosphere - former incels on why they left.

Submissions open on Employment Leave Bill

The Education and Workforce Committee are inviting submissions on the Employment Leave Bill, which would replace the Holidays Act 2003. For an overview of the proposed changes to leave and holiday entitlements, see MBIE’s snapshot document. Family violence leave is also affected. Submission close 14 April 2026.

Cycle 8 resources and results from the New Zealand Crime and Victims (NZCVS) released

Te Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice has released the key results for Cycle 8 of the NZCVS (2026). It uses data gathered from the NZCVS between October 2024 and October 2025 to examine trends in experiences of crime for key demographic groups and offence types. See the Ministry of Justice’s media release for an overview of the findings. See also RNZ’s coverage.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Consultation open on RSE Years 0-10
• Greater protections for people giving evidence in Family Court now in effect
• New resource on the manosphere and its impacts
• New research on gendered violence and disengagement from online incel communities
• Submissions open on Employment Leave Bill
• Cycle 8 resources and results from the NZCVS released

Vine Quick Reads: 13 March 2026

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

This week we continue our new ‘Spotlight On’ feature. Each week for the next few months the Spotlight will shine on a different area of our website. We hope you will take a moment to learn more about the resources available through our mahi at Vine.

New Netsafe Cyberbullying Prevention Toolkit

Netsafe has released their new Cyberbullying Prevention Toolkit. The free Toolkit provides teachers with ready-to-use, research-informed resources for Years 5-13 to prevent and respond to online bullying. Developed with input from educators and young people, the Toolkit aims to strengthen wellbeing, empathy and digital citizenship. It includes topics tailored to different age groups like noticing cyberbullying and responding safely (Year 5-6) and power, influence and online behaviour (Years 11-13).

Aroturuki Tamariki releases Experiences of Care in Aotearoa 2024/2025

Aroturuki Tamariki | Independent Children’s Monitor has released their annual 2024/2025 Experiences of Care in Aotearoa report (2026), which examines whether agencies with child custody and care responsibilities are complying with the National Care Standards Regulations. Oranga Tamariki acknowledged the report’s findings in a media release, which said the agency was still failing to meet the minimum standards of care demanded by law. See also the Monitor’s media release and responses from Mana Mokopuna | Children’s Commissioner and VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai.

EOIs open for Whakamanawa 2026 | The National Social Services Conference

Social Service Providers Te Pai Ora o Aotearoa (SSPA) is seeking expressions of interest for the workshop programme at Whakamanawa 2026. Workshop topics can cover any area relevant for the social services sector, including child and family support, family violence prevention, sexual violence prevention, housing, rangatahi, disabled people, rainbow communities and kaimahi hauora. More information can be found at Whakamanawa 2026 or you can contact the organiser with your questions directly at communications@sspa.org.nz. Submissions close 10 April 2026.

Consultation open on Data and Statistics (Census) Amendment Bill

The Justice Select Committee is seeking public feedback on the Data and Statistics (Census) Amendment Bill. The Bill would change the approach Stats NZ takes to censuses, moving from a large-scale survey of New Zealand’s total population to using administrative data as the primary source. With the change, survey data would be used more sparingly and supplementarily. See this article from The Conversation for analysis of how the changes may impact Māori data sovereignty. The closing date for submissions is 15 April 2026.

This Quick Reads covers:

• New Netsafe Cyberbullying Prevention Toolkit
• Aroturuki Tamariki releases Experiences of Care in Aotearoa 2024/2025
• EOIs open for Whakamanawa 2026 | The National Social Services Conference
• Consultation open on Data and Statistics (Census) Amendment Bill

Spotlight on: Quick Topic Searches

Vine Quick Reads: 6 March 2026

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

This week we continue our new ‘Spotlight On’ feature. Each week for the next few months the Spotlight will shine on a different area of our website. We hope you will take a moment to learn more about the resources available through our mahi at Vine.

Stats NZ release new child poverty statistics

Tatauranga Aotearoa | Stats NZ has released their child poverty statistics for the year ending June 2025, including a summary of key findings alongside downloadable data tables. Mana Mokopuna | Children’s Commissioner has responded to the findings: 47,000 more children in hardship since 2022: a sobering backdrop to New Zealand Children’s Day. See also Te Ao Māori News and 1News.

New Violent Crimes data from New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey

Te Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice has released the Violent Crime October 2025 Factsheet (2026) with accompanying data tables. They provide estimates of the number of victims of violent offences for the 12-month period leading up to October 2025.

New Growing Up in New Zealand snapshot reports on mental health and education released

Growing Up in New Zealand (GuiNZ) has released two new ‘Now We Are 15’ snapshot reports on Education and Mental Health and Wellbeing. The reports’ key findings include:

• School experience and mental health are closely linked
• Discrimination undermines both learning and wellbeing
• Disabled young people face additional barriers
• Connection – strong friendships, cultural connection and school support – matter and are linked to better wellbeing and positive school experiences

For a summary of the reports’ findings, see GuiNZ’s media release: School experience plays a critical role in teen mental health, new Growing Up in New Zealand findings show.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission release new data summaries on mental health and addiction

Te Hiringa Mahara | Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission have released two new data summaries: Access to mental health and addiction services (2026) and Mental health and substance use data summary: Key findings from the NZ Health Survey 2024/2025 (2026). For an overview of the key findings, see the Commission’s media release: Young people are missing out on access to mental health services. See more from RNZ and Waatea News.

Stats NZ consultation on the use of fees and fines to support their mandatory data requests

Tatauranga Aotearoa | Stats NZ is seeking feedback on the introduction of an infringement scheme to support its mandatory data requests. Stats NZ is preparing to introduce an infringement scheme that which would introduce fees and fines. This proposal seeks to increase the number of tools available to Stats NZ to encourage compliance with their mandatory requests. At present, Stats NZ’s only available response to deliberate non-compliance is prosecution. Consultation closes Monday 6 April 2026.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Stats NZ release new child poverty statistics
• New Violent Crimes data from New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey (NZCVS)
• New Growing Up in New Zealand snapshot reports on mental health and education released
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission release new data summaries on mental health and addiction
• Stats NZ consultation on the use of fees and fines to support their mandatory data requests

Spotlight on: Professional development and training

Vine Quick Reads: 27 February 2026

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

This week we are also launching our new ‘Spotlight On’ feature. Each week for the next few months the Spotlight will shine on a different area of our website. We hope you will take a moment to learn more about the resources available through our mahi at Vine.

Consultation open on Government’s report on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

The Government is seeking feedback on a draft report to the UN Human Rights Committee. The report, the seventh report on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), describes new measures adopted by the New Zealand government to give effect to the ICCPR. This includes information about measures to address family violence. Submissions close 19 March 2026.

For more on the intersection of civil and political rights and family violence, see Femicide: deaths resulting from gender-based violence in Aotearoa New Zealand | Kōhuru Wahine: nā te ririhau ā-ira i te whenua o Aotearoa (2025).

New study on prediction of lethal and near-lethal family and intimate partner violence

The Journal of Family Violence has published a new open access article: The Limits of Predicting Near Lethal and Lethal Family and Intimate Partner Violence (2026). The study evaluates the effectiveness of the Victorian Police’s IPV predictive model and 12 widely recognised risk factors of male-to-female IPV. For a summary, see The Conversation: Can we predict domestic homicide? New research suggests we can’t.

New protections for victims of litigation abuse come into force

The Victims of Family Violence (Strengthening Legal Protections) Legislation Act 2025 is now in force. The Act gives courts dealing with family proceedings new powers to combat litigation abuse. Litigation abuse involves someone using legal processes to harass, control or maintain unwanted contact with another party.

People’s select committee on pay equity release their findings

The People's Select Committee on Pay Equity have released their inquiry into the Pay Equity Amendment Act 2025. The inquiry was undertaken by a group of former Members of Parliament across the political spectrum in response to the passing of the Equal Pay Amendment Act 2025 under urgency, bypassing opportunities for public consultation. For more, see The Conversation: The work women do has changed. The case for pay equity in NZ hasn’t. The People’s Select Committee have also compiled a timeline of pay equity in Aotearoa.

Netsafe’s annual survey reveals unwanted digital communications frequently disrupt daily life

Netsafe have recently released their 2025 Annual Survey report, which includes findings on keeping safe online, awareness of rights and options, access to support services, perpetrators of online harm, and reporting harmful content. It highlights that a significant number of people report negative disruptions to their daily life as a result of unwanted digital communications.

Human Rights Monitor publishes Government response to UN CEDAW report

New Zealand’s response to the UN’s ninth periodic report under the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) has been published on the Human Rights Monitor. The response, agreed to by Cabinet last year, includes 62 recommendations and 49 actions. The Human Rights Monitor is an online tool administered by the Ministry of Justice that records recommendations made to New Zealand from different UN human rights mechanisms and tracks the actions being taken by the Government in response.

This Quick Reads Covers:

• Consultation open on Government’s report on the implementation of the ICCPR
• New study on prediction of lethal and near-lethal family and intimate partner violence
• New protections for victims of litigation abuse come into force
• People’s select committee on pay equity release their findings
• Netsafe’s annual survey reveals unwanted digital communications frequently disrupt daily life
• Human Rights Monitor publishes Government response to UN CEDAW report

Spotlight on: Vine Issues Papers

Vine Quick Reads: 20 February 2026

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Second round of Social Investment Fund now open

The second round of the Social Investment Fund is now open for investment applications. Applicants will first submit a Registration of Interest (ROI). Shortlisted applicants from the ROI will then be invited to submit a more detailed proposal. Applicants will need to demonstrate that their proposals will focus on one or more of the following priority groups:

• Mothers who experience harm from substance use, and their children, from pregnancy up to age five – New priority group
• Children whose parent(s) are currently or have recently been in prison
• Children of parent(s) who experienced the care system
• Children that were stood down or suspended from school when they were 12 or younger

The priority outcomes are improved health, greater safety, ensuring stable and secure housing, improving knowledge and skills, growing income and wealth, and supporting people into work. More information on the application process is available at the link above. For further questions, contact the Fund at info@sia.govt.nz. ROI submissions are due by midday, Tuesday 10 March 2026.

New literature review released by Oranga Tamariki looks at services for disabled young people at risk of coming to OT attention

Oranga Tamariki has released the following literature review: Prevention of Harm and the Cultivation of Wellbeing: Tamariki, Rakatahi, and Mātua Whaikaha (2024). The review, undertaken by the Donald Beasley Institute, focussed on six key questions exploring the definition of prevention, promising initiatives, current gaps, service improvements, and strategies for preventing disabled young people from engaging with care and protection/youth justice services. For an overview of the key findings, see Oranga Tamariki’s website.

New UNICEF report: Guidance on AI and children (2025)

UNICEF has published Guidance on AI and children: updated guidance for governments and businesses to create AI policies and systems that uphold children’s rights (2025). This updated guidance was prompted by the rapid advances in and uptake of AI technologies and the risks and opportunities they present. They raise concerns regarding the development and use of generative AI and AI companions, AI-generated child sexual abuse material, and non-consensual intimate images.

Two new reports on the death of Malachi Rain Subecz

The Coroners Court Auckland | Te Kōti Kaitirotiro Matewhawhati has released their report, An inquiry into the death of Malachi Rain Subecz (2026). The report establishes the cause and circumstances of Malachi’s death and makes recommendations and comments for the purpose of preventing similar deaths from occuring in the future. For media coverage, see RNZ's 'Victim of unspeakable cruelty and deliberate evil': Coroner's findings on Malachi Subecz death. The Independent Children's Monitor | Aroturuki Tamariki have also released their second review of the implementation of the recommendations of Dame Karen Poutasi. See RNZ's, Children still no safer than when Malachi Subecz was murdered - latest report.

New report on media literacy and digital resilience for young people

Netsafe and AUT’s TOROA Centre for Communication Research have published Digital Resilience Research Report 2025-2026 (2026). The project worked with secondary school students to explore their everyday experiences of online risk, information credibility, and digital pressure, and to examine how media literacy messages are received when young people are involved in their design. Netsafe have also released their Scam Update January 2026 which shows an almost 24% increase in cases of sextortion from the month prior.

New report on gender-based violence in sport

New research from Australia explores how reports of gender-based violence in sport are currently experienced and managed: Addressing Gender-Based Violence Against Women in Sport: Strengthening Sports Integrity Units Response to Disclosures (2025). This report also contains resources to help sporting organisations handle issues that arise and support victims. For an overview, see Australian sport still has a gender-based violence problem. Our new guide might help tackle it.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Second round of Social Investment Fund now open
• New literature review released by OT looks at services for disabled young people
• New UNICEF report: Guidance on AI and children (2025)
• Two new reports on the death of Malachi Rain Subecz
• New report on media literacy and digital resilience for young people
• New report on gender-based violence in sport

Vine Quick Reads: 13 February 2026

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

UN call for input on accelerating progress towards preventing adolescent girls’ pregnancy

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is calling for input to inform a report on accelerating progress towards preventing adolescent girls’ pregnancy. The Office has outlined further information and guiding questions on topics like access and barriers to sexual and reproductive healthcare, the drivers of adolescent pregnancy, and effective preventive measures. More information on making a submission is available at the link above. Submissions close 9 March 2026.

New report explores the hidden crisis of sexual violence against LGBTQI+ children and youth

The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) has published Silence Is Not Protection: The Hidden Crisis of Sexual Violence Against LGBTQI+ Children and Youth (2026). The report explores the persistent exclusion of LGBTQI+ children and youth from child protection systems globally. It argues this systemic silence and marginalisation places LGBTQI+ young people at greater risk of harm.

New study explores sexual orientation, crime victimisation, and relationship to the offender

A new open access article in the journal Public Health examines sexual orientation differences in crime victimisation rates by known and unknown offenders: Sexual orientation, crime victimization, and relationship to the offender: insights from New Zealand police records, 2014–2024 (2026). For an overview, see NZ needs stronger hate-crime law, a piece written by one the study’s co-authors.

Salvation Army release their 2026 State of the Nation Report

The Salvation Army – Te Ope Whakaora has released State of the nation 2026: foundations of wellbeing | poipoia te kākano (2026). The report uses publicly accessible data to assess the Nation’s wellbeing across five domains: Children and Youth, Work and Incomes, Housing, Crime and Punishment, and Social Hazards. For each of these domains, the report assessed Māori wellbeing using Pou Tangata’s framework, Te Ora o Te Whānau. The Salvation Army has also published an interactive data dashboard where users can view and download the report’s underlying data. For media coverage, see Te Ao Māori News, RNZ, and the Pacific Media Network.

This Quick Reads covers:

• UN call for input on accelerating progress towards preventing adolescent girls’ pregnancy
• New report explores the hidden crisis of sexual violence against LGBTQI+ children and youth
• New study explores sexual orientation, crime victimisation, and relationship to the offender
• Salvation Army Release their 2026 State of the Nation Report

Vine Quick Reads: 30 January 2026

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we shareselected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Gender Minorities Aotearoa releases Regional transgender healthcare report 2025

Gender Minorities Aotearoa has released the Regional transgender healthcare report 2025: findings from the Aotearoa New Zealand Regional Transgender Healthcare Survey 2024-2025 (2025). This report presents findings from the Transgender Regional Healthcare Survey, which ran from November 2024 to May 2025. The report highlights the widespread difficulty transgender people face in obtaining transition-related healthcare in Aotearoa.

New report from the Classifications Office, Online exposure: experiences of extreme or illegal content in Aotearoa (2026)

Te Mana Whakaatu | The Classifications Office has published a new report, Online exposure: experiences of extreme or illegal content in Aotearoa (2026). The report shares findings from a nationally representative survey of a 1000 adult New Zealanders who were asked about their experiences with extreme or potentially illegal content online. The report explores attitudes towards the content, experiences with reporting the content to platforms or law enforcement, and the significant harm some experience through exposure. For more, see RNZ’s story, Two thirds of New Zealanders have seen extreme content online, half believe it's unavoidable.

Ministry of Justice releases Evaluation of the Victim Assistance Scheme (VAS): final report (2025)

Te Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice has released Evaluation of the Victim Assistance Scheme (VAS): final report (2025). The VAS provides financial support to victims and witnesses of serious crime and their support people. It aims to alleviate some of the financial burden of being a victim, increase participation in justice proceedings, and enable individuals to access support services. The report evaluates the effectiveness of the scheme and whether the changes made to the scheme between November 2022 and July 2024 improved its accessibility and uptake. For more, see RNZ’s coverage.

New study explores coerced business debt in the context of family violence

Monash University has published a new study in collaboration with consumer advocates about the impact of financial abuse: Coerced business debts: uncovering hidden harms from economic abuse (2025). It highlights how women in heterosexual relationships are disproportionately the targets of financial abuse by their partners and ex-partners, which can lead to lifelong consequences such as bankruptcy, poverty and homelessness. The study examines the impacts of resulting debt on victim-survivors and highlights intersectional and systemic issues, as well as responses and recommendations. For more, see Monash University’s media release.

Ministry of Justice Long-Term Insight Briefing (LTIB) released

Te Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice has released The Future Operations of the Courts and Justice Services: Long-term Insights Briefing (2025). This LTIB looks at the broad design of the court system, the costs of running it, and user experiences and trends that might affect the operation of the courts and justice services in the future. The LTIB presents six areas of strategic choice for decision makers to consider including ongoing unmet legal needs, structural reform of the court system, and the role of AI. For an overview, see the Ministry’s media release.

This Quick Reads covers:

• GMA, Regional transgender healthcare report 2025
• New Classifications Office report, Online exposure: experiences of extreme or illegal content in Aotearoa (2026)
• MoJ releases Evaluation of the Victim Assistance Scheme (VAS): final report (2025).
• New study explores coerced business debt in the context of FV
• MoJ Long-Term Insight Briefing (LTIB) released

Vine Quick Reads: 23 January 2026

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Survivor Support and Recognition Fund open for applications

The Survivor Support and Recognition Fund is accepting grant applications. Applications are open to Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and community groups who support survivors of abuse and neglect in care, and to Local Authorities who maintain unmarked graves of those who died in care. Information on grant limits, eligibility, and how to apply can be found at the link above. Applications close Friday 27 February 2026.

New report: Understanding homelessness for wāhine Māori (2025)

Wellington City Council have released Understanding homelessness: wāhine Māori experiences of rough sleeping in Wellington City and their safety needs (2025). Kaupapa Māori researchers led a qualitative project to explore the lived experiences of wāhine Māori who have experienced rough sleeping in Wellington City. The research sheds light on pathways to homelessness, as well as how wāhine Māori experience and navigate safety – physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural – while living without a home.

New Emergency Management Bill before select committee, submissions open

The Governance and Administration select committee is accepting submissions on the Emergency Management Bill (No 2), which would replace the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002. Building on the framework set by the original Act, the new Bill proposes to:

• strengthen the role of communities and iwi Māori in emergency management
• provide clear responsibilities at the national, regional, and local levels
• enable a higher minimum standard of emergency management
• minimise disruption to essential services
• ensure agencies have the tools to do their jobs effectively during an emergency.

For an overview of the Bill and its impacts on disabled people and tangata whaikaha Māori, see Te Kāhui Tika Tangata | Human Rights Commission’s recent pānui. Vine has also gathered research to assist in making a submission: Emergencies, gender and marginalised communities. The consultation closes Tuesday 3 February 2026.

Tertiary study options in violence prevention and response

The following learning pathways are open to those interested in advancing their understanding of violence prevention and response:

• Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland offers a Post-Graduate Certificate in Health Science with a focus on Violence Prevention. For those interested, Friendship House are offering 8 scholarships to undertake this study.
• AUT offers a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science in Violence and Trauma Studies.
• Ara offers the Principles of Family Violence Intervention Micro-credential.

For more training and professional development opportunities, see our dedicated directory.

Our Watch’s first annual Prevention knowledge report focuses on prevention in media

Our Watch have published their first Prevention Knowledge report, Lessons and successes from 10 years of working with media (2025). The report draws on Our Watch’s decade-long National Media Engagement project, in which they worked with journalists and media professionals to strengthen reporting practices towards preventing violence against women. The report provides a summary of this project, its impacts and learnings, and priorities for future work in this space.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Survivor Support and Recognition Fund open for applications
• New report: Understanding homelessness for wāhine Māori (2025)
• New Emergency Management Bill before select committee, submissions open
• Tertiary study options in violence prevention and response
• Our Watch’s first annual Prevention knowledge report focuses on prevention in media

Vine Quick Reads: 20 January 2026 - United Nations updates

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. This edition of the Quick Reads rounds up a number of updates from UN entities that might be of interest to the sector.

Call for inputs on the impact of mental health challenges on the enjoyment of human rights by young people

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is calling for inputs on the impact of mental health challenges on the enjoyment of human rights by young people. The subsequent report will explore legal and policy frameworks, main barriers and challenges, and promising practices and solutions relating to young people, their mental health, and full enjoyment of their human rights. Questions to inform submissions can be found at the link above. Submissions are due 20 February 2026.

Call for input to the report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on violence against older women

The Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls is calling for inputs on the forms and manifestations of violence experienced by older women and girls because of their age, including where that status intersects with other grounds. Submissions will inform recommendations for States and other stakeholders on how to combat violence against older women and what legal, policy, and institutional measures are consistent with international human rights law obligations. Questions to inform submissions can be found at the link above. Submissions are due 10 April 2026.

Guidance note on addressing care in times of conflict and crisis

UN Women have released a guidance note, Addressing care in times of conflict and crisis (2025), to advance a gender-transformative approach to care in crises and conflicts. It aims to fill a knowledge gap on women’s participation in humanitarian coordination, peace, and security decision-making due to intensifying care demands, which in turn undermines recovery and prospects for peace. It includes key principles, guiding questions, key actions, and case studies for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers.

Policy brief on narratives and perceptions of migrant women

UN Women along with Oxfam have released a new policy brief, Migrant women: Narratives and perceptions (2025) as part of the Making Migration Safe for Women Programme. It examines narratives around migrant women rooted in sexist, racist, and paternalistic stereotypes and analyses common patterns that underpin public perceptions and the impact of these. It also offers practical recommendations for governments, the media, and civil society to challenge these stereotypes and promote gender-responsive, human rights–based storytelling.

New evidence brief on the escalation of online violence against women in the public sphere

UN Women have released a new evidence brief, Tipping point: The chilling escalation of online violence against women in the public sphere (2025), which draws on a global survey of women in 119 countries. It highlights how online attacks are now spilling offline, affecting women’s safety, well-being, and ability to participate freely in public debate. It also explores how new technologies, including artificial intelligence, are making abusive content easier to create and harder to control, further heightening risks for women in public life.

First comprehensive analysis of the Global Database on Violence against Women and Girls released (VAWG)

UN Women have published a report, Ending violence against women and girls: Global commitments, local actions (2025), which presents that first comprehensive analysis of the Global Database on Violence against Women and Girls, which documents more than 7,500 national measures to address VAWG, as self-reported by 193 States. The database is an official tracker to assess countries’ progress towards ending violence against women and girls within the Sustainable Development Goals framework and to identify where acceleration is needed in the last five years of Agenda 2030.

Third international compendium of practices on safe cities and safe public spaces for women and girls released

UN Women have released Safe cities and safe public spaces for women and girls: Global initiative – third international compendium of practices (2025). This practically illustrates how cities participating in the global initiative are working to implement actions that promote women’s and girls’ rights to use public spaces free from sexual harassment and other forms of sexual violence. It showcases positive outcomes, collaborative partnerships, and innovative actions on women’s safety in public spaces in different settings, including urban, rural, and online.

New toolkit for gender equality in the sports ecosystem released

UN Women, along with the International Olympic Committee, have released Toolkit for a sports ecosystem with a gender perspective (2025). This is a practical resource to support sports organisations to integrate gender equality between men and women across all levels of sports. The toolkit is structured around six core principles for action:

• Strengthening women’s leadership and representation in sports governance
• Preventing and responding to violence against women and girls in sports
• Reducing the investment gap and promoting equal economic opportunities
• Ensuring equal opportunities for girls in sports from early ages
• Advancing diverse, unbiased, and equitable representation in sports media
• Monitoring and publicly reporting progress on a regular basis.

New report: Pacific Gender Outlook 2025

UN Women have published the Pacific Gender Outlook 2025: Achieving the SDGs for all and leaving no woman or girl behind (2025). This report was produced by UN Women in partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC) and Pacific countries and territories. The report examines progress across the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) from a gender perspective and, where possible, sheds light on the population groups that are lagging behind for each of the goals. The report shares findings on gender equality, poverty, education, and intimate-partner violence.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Call for inputs on the impact of mental health challenges on the human rights of young people
• Call for input to the report of the Special Rapporteur on VAWG on violence against older women
• Guidance note on addressing care in times of conflict and crisis
• Policy brief on narratives and perceptions of migrant women
• New evidence brief on the escalation of online violence against women in the public sphere
• First comprehensive analysis of the Global Database on VAWG
• Third international compendium of practices on safe cities and safe public spaces for women and girls released
• New toolkit for gender equality in the sports ecosystem released
• New report: Pacific Gender Outlook 2025

Vine Quick Reads: 16 January 2026

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Submissions open on the Crimes Amendment Bill

The Justice Select Committee is calling for public submissions on the Crimes Amendment Bill, which would amend the Crimes Act 1961. The Committee has also been empowered to consider the amendments set out in Amendment Paper (AP) 436, which would amend the Summary Offences Act 1981. The Bill and the AP seek to:

• amend the law regarding citizen’s arrest
• increase the penalties for theft
• amend the laws regarding slavery and human trafficking
• provide protection for Police involved in covert operations investigation child exploitation
• create new offences for “coward punches”, assaults on first responders and corrections officers, and for theft committed in an offensive, threatening, insulting or disorderly manner.

Submissions are due 16 February 2026.

Ministry of Justice violence related Requests for Information (RFI)

Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has issued two RFIs with relevance to the violence sectors.

• RFI - Harmful Digital Communications. The Ministry is seeking information from organisations with expertise in addressing digital harm in light of the drastic shifts in the digitial environment since the passing of the Act in 2015. Closing 9 February 2026.
• RFI - Services to Support Victims of Crime. The Ministry is seeking information on the current service delivery model, service gaps, and more broadly on how victims are supported, now and into the future. The RFI will also include more specific questions about some funded services. Closing 11 February 2026.

An RFI is a research tool used by government agencies to gather more information from a sector or market about the number, types, and capacity of suppliers, and future areas of focus. An RFI is not a Notice of Procurement and the Ministry has noted that respondents do not have to be interested in delivering services to provide responses to these RFIs.

Submissions open on the Arms Bill

The Justice Select Committee is calling for public submissions on the Arms Bill. The Arms Bill would repeal and replace the Arms Act 1983, introducing changes to compliance, enforcement and the regulation of firearms. Submissions on the Bill close 16 February 2026.

Changes to electoral laws come into effect

The Electoral Amendment Act 2025 received its third reading on 16 December 2025 and received Royal Assent on 19 December 2025. As of 1 January 2026, all aspects of the new law are now in force. The Amendment Act makes several changes to the Electoral Act 1993, including extending voting disqualifications for prisoners, prohibiting voter enrolment in the 12 days prior to an election, and criminalising the provision of free food, drink or entertainment near a voting place.

New research on sexual violence and unwanted sexual experiences among high school students in Aotearoa

A open-source article was recently published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health: Sexual violence and unwanted sexual experiences among adolescents: Prevalence, trends and disparities among a representative cross-sectional study of high school students in Aotearoa New Zealand (2025). The study used data from the Youth19 study which surveyed 7,375 schoolchildren aged 12-19. For more, see Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland’s media release, One in eight teens experience sexual violence.

New report on harm young New Zealanders encounter online

The Education and Workforce Committee has published Inquiry into the harm young New Zealanders encounter online, and the roles that Government, business, and society should play in addressing those harms: Interim report (2025). The inquiry examines the nature, severity, and prevalence of online harm experienced by young New Zealanders and make recommendations for clear and actionable solutions. For more, see Waatea News’ coverage, Anjum Rahman | Youth Online Harm Inquiry: Interim Report Welcomed.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Submissions open on the Crimes Amendment Bill
• Ministry of Justice violence related Requests for Information (RFI)
• Submissions open on the Arms Bill
• Changes to electoral laws come into effect
• New research on sexual violence and unwanted sexual experiences among high school students in Aotearoa
• New report on harm young New Zealanders encounter online

Vine Quick Reads: 11 December 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

New report from Netsafe, Beyond a Single Story: Understanding young People’s Digital Experiences (2025)

Netsafe has released Beyond a Single Story: Understanding young People’s Digital Experiences (2025). To produce an accurate account of young people’s digital experiences, Netsafe conducted 8 workshops across Aotearoa, speaking to 176 young people from 19 different schools aged 13-15. The report is structured around the following four guiding prompts utilised in the workshops:

• Tell us about your time online
• What do you get out of your time online
• If you could change, add, remove or fix one thing about social media, what would it be
• A message to the people in charge.

New briefing on relationship between alcohol, violence against women (VAW) and the holiday season

The Public Health Communications Centre (PHCC) has published a new briefing, Seasonal rises in alcohol-related harm and violence against women. This Briefing outlines alcohol’s role in structural and interpersonal VAW and calls for the inclusion of gender-responsive alcohol harm-reduction as part of a broader, comprehensive approach to addressing the issue. For a summary, see the PHCC’s media release, alcohol-related violence surges over summer, new Briefing urges gender-responsive action.

Children's Commissioner launches 'Dear Children' campaign against child maltreatment

Mana Mokopuna | Children’s Commissioner, Dr Claire Achmad, has launched the nationwide advocacy campaign, ‘Dear Children’. The campaign is focussed on preventing all forms of child maltreatment (physical, sexual, emotional abuse, exposure to domestic violence, and neglect) and asks all adults to sign the open letter to signal their support and commitment. The campaign also encourages adults to “Speak Up”, “Be Present”, “Take Action” and “Champion Change” when it comes to the safety of children. For more, see the Mana Mokopuna media release and RNZ’s coverage.

Auckland Women’s Centre release Stalking Response Guide

Te Wāhi Wāhine o Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland Women’s Centre (AWC) have produced the Stalking Response Guide to educate people on their rights and options when they are, or suspect they are being stalked. The guide contains information on reaching out for support, supporting someone else being stalked, and mitigating the impacts of stalking on your wellbeing. They have also produced a more comprehensive version of the Guide as well as a stalking response flowchart. AWC plan to update the Guide once the Crimes (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Act comes into effect in 2026.

UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) releases concluding observations on New Zealand

UN CERD has released its Concluding observations on the 23rd and 24th periodic reports of New Zealand. The UN's observations include concerns related to, among other things, data collection, reports of systemic racism within the courts, racist hate speech/crimes, structural discrimination, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Māori cultural and land rights, and the governments response to the Royal commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. Alongside the Government delegation, a civil society delegation was in attendance, which included Lady Tureiti Moxon who presented a claim that the government has escalated discrimination against Māori during its term and is overriding constitutional norms.

This Quick Reads covers:

• New report: Beyond a Single Story: Understanding young People’s Digital Experiences (2025)
• New briefing on relationship between alcohol, VAW and the holiday season
• Children's Commissioner launches 'Dear Children' campaign against child maltreatment
• Auckland Women’s Centre release Stalking Response Guide
• UN CERD releases concluding observations on New Zealand

Vine Quick Reads: 5 December 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

New policy brief on alcohol policy and its role in preventing violence against women

Australian primary prevention organisation, Our Watch, has released a new policy brief, Opportunities to address alcohol policy as part of a holistic approach to preventing violence against women (2025). The brief recommends governments explicitly address the link between alcohol and gender-based violence in law, policy and regulation. It sets out practical opportunities for policy makers as well as a range of other community-based strategies. For more, see Our Watch’s media release.

UN Women frameworks on technology-facilitated violence against women and girls (TF VAWG)

UN Women has released two briefs on TF VAWG. Each presents the main elements of substantive forthcoming publications – a model framework for legislation on TF VAWG, and guidance for police on effectively addressing TF VAWG.

• Model framework for legislation on technology-facilitated violence against women and girls (2025)
• Guidance for police on addressing technology-facilitated violence against women and girls (2025).

Good Shepard NZ launches code of practice for specialist lenders on economic harm

Good Shepherd NZ and the Financial Services Federation have launched a Code of Practice to help specialist lenders prevent and reduce economic harm. The Code of Practice contains seven responsibilities for specialist lenders, including things like understanding economic harm in the context of their work, seeking to prevent their services being used in abusive ways, and prioritising the safety of customers. A companion resource, accessible at the link above, also gives specialist lenders options and ideas for how to meet their responsibilities.

Netsafe release annual report: Year in Review July 2024 – June 2025

Netsafe has released its annual report, Year in Review: July 2024 – June 2025 (2025). The report provides an overview of the organisation’s performance and their 2026 priorities. It contains dedicated reporting for different workstreams, including Netsafe’s Harmful Digital Communications Service and their work combatting Child Sexual Abuse Material. Netsafe have also issued a call for the Harmful Digital Communications Act to be modernised amid rising reports of digital harm, including AI deep fake pornography, sextortion and scams.

New report: Addressing Sexual Violence in New Zealand (2025)

The Helen Clark Foundation has released Addressing Sexual Violence in New Zealand (2025). The report makes a series of recommendations, which include adopting a clearer definition of consent in law, banning sexually explicit deepfake abuse, and ending virginity testing. The report is also accompanied by literature reviews, analyses and draft legislation on the topics listed, all available at the link above. For an overview, including a recording of the launch event and links to media coverage, see The Helen Clark Foundation’s page.

Better Later Life Action Plan 2025-2028

Te Tari Kaumātua | Office for Seniors has released the Better Later Life Action Plan 2025-2028. The plan focuses on three priority areas:

• Health and care services – helping people stay independent, connected and able to access services when they need them
• Housing – ensuring older people have secure, warm, dry homes in the right place
• Cost-of-living – supporting financial security and easing pressures for older people

For each priority area, the Office has an accompanying action plan to deliver these goals. For more, see the Parliamentary press release.

Submission open on Draft Carers' Strategy Action Plan

Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora | Ministry of Social Development is seeking feedback on the draft Carers' Strategy Action Plan, which aims to support unpaid or informal carers in homes and communities across Aotearoa. The Action Plan is intended to be a ‘rolling’ plan with no expiry date that can be built on over time as new challenges arise. This, along with a discussion document and a summary document are available to aid submissions at the link above. Consultation closes 12 February 2026.

Nesian Narratives Toolkit launched

The Nesian Narratives Toolkit, a research project led by Dr Analosa Veukiso-Ulugia, was created over four years of talanoa (discussion) between researchers and early childhood kaiako (teachers). It guides teachers of young taimaiti (tamariki/children) in nurturing critical thinking, decision-making, and interpersonal skills for Pacific children and others. Each of the 12 modules is themed around a “voyage” through a Pacific nation and covers topics like identity, emotions, consent, relationships, and environmental safety.

See an interview with the researchers on Pacific Media News, here.

New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026-2030 launched

Whaikaha | Ministry of Disabled People have launched the new 5-year New Zealand Disability Strategy with the vision: New Zealand is an equitable and accessible place for all disabled people and their whānau – where disabled people thrive, contribute, and choose the lives they want to lead. It covers 5 priority areas: education, employment, health, housing and justice. The strategy also highlights disabled people’s disproportionate experiences of family and sexual violence and unique challenges they face upholding their rights in legislative and justice contexts.

Latest UN femicide figures released

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime and UN Women have released Femicides in 2024: Global estimates of intimate partner/family member femicides (2025), which provides new 2024 global and regional estimates of women and girls killed by intimate partners or other family members. It estimates that around 50,000 women and girls were killed in the private sphere in 2024—about 60 per cent of all intentional killings of women and girls. The report also highlights technology-facilitated violence as a femicide risk factor, and the critical accountability gap in global data on femicide.

This Quick Reads covers:

• New policy brief on alcohol policy and its role in preventing VAW
• UN Women frameworks on TF VAWG
• Good Shepard NZ launches code of practice for specialist lenders on economic harm
• Netsafe release annual report: Year in Review July 2024 – June 2025
• New report: Addressing Sexual Violence in New Zealand (2025)
• Better Later Life Action Plan 2025-2028
• Submission open on Draft Carers' Strategy Action Plan
• Nesian Narratives Toolkit launched
• New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026-2030 launched
• Latest UN femicide figures released

Vine Quick Reads: 28 November 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

UNICEF release State of the World’s Children 2025 report

UNICEF has published their 2025 State of the World’s Children report, Ending child poverty: our shared imperative (2025). The report documents the gains made in addressing child poverty worldwide and the factors associated with this. It also examines how the climate crisis, rising conflict, and the development funding crisis undermine current efforts, threatening to undo existing progress.

New report: Violence against women prevalence estimates, 2023 (2025)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released the Violence against women prevalence estimates, 2023: global, regional, and national prevalence estimates for intimate partner violence against women and non-partner sexual violence against women (2025). The report provides updated estimates based on a comprehensive review of prevalence data from surveys and studies conducted between 2000 and 2023. For more, see the WHO’s media release and RNZ’s coverage.

Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill passes into law

The Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill has become law after it passed its third reading in Parliament and received Royal Assent on 26 November 2025. It will take effect in May 2026. The new law criminalises stalking as a separate and distinct criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison. Stalking is defined in the law as a pattern of behaviour (two or more specified acts within a 2-year period) which the offender knows is likely to cause the victim fear or distress. For more, see RNZ’s coverage, including their interview with Leonie Morris from Aotearoa Free from Stalking.

Ministry for Women seeking NGO delegate for UN forum on the status of women

Manatū Wāhine | Ministry for Women is seeking applications for the NGO delegate on the New Zealand Government delegation to the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70). The priority theme for CSW70 is strengthening women’s access to justice. The primary role of the NGO delegate is to liaise with and advocate for NZ-based NGOs and the Government delegation. The Ministry for Women will provide up to $10,000 NZD to support the participation of an NGO delegate at CSW70. Information on the selection criteria and the application process are available at the link above or by emailing caucus@women.govt.nz. Applications close Friday 12 December 2025.

UN calls for input on death penalty and its compatibility with the prohibition of torture

The UN Special Rapporteur on summary, extrajudicial or arbitrary executions is seeking input for their report on the death penalty from the perspective of the prohibition against torture and other forms of ill-treatment and the protection of human dignity. One of the report’s objectives is to analyse discriminatory patterns (and consequences of such) in the way the death penalty is carried out. It will also look at how capital punishment impacts vulnerable persons and their families. The call for input closes 28 February 2026.

This Quick Reads covers:

• UNICEF release State of the World’s Children 2025 report
• New report: Violence against women prevalence estimates, 2023 (2025)
• Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill passes into law
• MoW seeking NGO delegate for UN forum on the status of women
• UN calls for input on death penalty and its compatibility with the prohibition of torture

Vine Quick Reads: 20 November 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

IPCA release review of Police handling of complaints against Jevon McSkimming

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has released their report, Review of Police handling of complaints against Jevon McSkimming (2025). The report details failings in the way Police responded to serious complaints made against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming in 2023 and early 2024. For an overview, read the IPCA’s media release. For more, see coverage from The Post, RNZ, and The Spinoff.

UN calls for input on the rights of migrant, refugee, asylum-seeking and stateless children victim to, or at risk of, human trafficking

The UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children has issued a call for inputs for their report on the rights of migrant, refugee, asylum-seeking and stateless children who are victims of trafficking or at risk of trafficking in persons. The report will analyse child trafficking in the context of mixed movements and migration and will offer recommendations to strengthen prevention, protection and accountability measures. The call-for-inputs page above contains a list of key, but non-exhaustive, questions to help structure your input. Submissions are due 30 January 2026.

Initial findings of the Regional Transgender Healthcare Survey 2024-2025 released by Gender Minorities Aotearoa

Gender Minorities Aotearoa (GMA) has published the report, Initial findings: Regional Transgender Healthcare Survey 2024-2025 (2025). The report draws on data from GMA’s Regional Transgender Healthcare Survey, an online survey of transgender people who had, or had tried to, access transition related healthcare in Aotearoa. For more research from GMA, see their research reports page.

New report on the drug/substance use of parents with children in care, released by OT

Oranga Tamariki has released Analysis of Methamphetamine and other drug/substance use and the impact on children in care (2025). The report used the Integrated Data Infrastructure to examine the number of children in care who have parents that use or have used methamphetamine and other substances. The report also identifies current service needs and gaps for these children. Relatedly, Oranga Tamariki are running a webinar on the topic on Wednesday 26 November 2025, Beyond the Shadows of Methamphetamine and Substance Use: Creating Stronger Pathways for Children in Care and their Whānau.

New youth-focused resources aim to prevent violence and extremism and build social cohesion

Ara Taiohi has released their MOSAIC resources. This set of resources - a collaboration between Ara Taiohi, The King’s Trust New Zealand and Nas - aims to help youth workers have safe and meaningful conversations about racism, discrimination, and values with young people. The resources include MOSAIC Conversation Cards, an online pathway for deeper learning, and a practice note on identifying and responding to the radicalisation of young people.

This Quick Reads covers:

• The IPCA's Review of Police handling of complaints against Jevon McSkimming
• UN call for input on the rights of children victim to, or at risk of, human trafficking during migration
• Initial findings of the Regional Transgender Healthcare Survey 2024-2025
• OT report on the drug/substance use of parents with children in care
• New youth-focused resources to prevent violence and extremism and build social cohesion

Vine Quick Reads: 13 November 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

The Light Project launches new resource for young people worried about what they’re watching online

Check It Out is a new website developed by The Light Project for young people designed to address emerging areas of concern about online sexual content identified by young people themselves, including aggressive porn, AI-generated and cartoon sexual content, ‘incest’ and ‘teen’ porn, and child sexual abuse material. Check It Out features a series of Q&A’s offering practical information, guidance, checklists, and links to online and offline support services. The resource was created in collaboration with a range of sexual harm, digital safety, and regulatory agencies to support both young people concerned about what they’re watching and the professionals who support them.

UN Call for Inputs: Study on “the rights of Indigenous Peoples in conflict and post-conflict situations”

The UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples have issued a call for inputs for their study on “the rights of Indigenous Peoples in conflict and post-conflict situations”. The study will draw on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and will have a particular focus on Indigenous Peoples’ participation in peace processes. Further information, including on the submission process, the study’s objectives and key focus areas, are available at the link above. Submissions close 31 January 2026.

Latest suicide data released by Te Whatu Ora and the chief coroner

Te Whatu Ora and the Chief Coroner have released new data on suspected self-inflicted deaths for the 2024/2025 financial year. The data is compiled into a publicly accessible web tool, which also includes data on confirmed suicides up to 2021. For a summary of the high level findings, see Te Whatu Ora’s overview.

VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai hosting inaugural national conference on transforming the care experience in Aotearoa

Registrations are open for VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai’s inaugural national conference on transforming the care experience in Aotearoa, Kōkiri: The Future Speaks – 2026 conference running 16-17 March 2026. This conference will explore evidence-based best practice and research from both an indigenous and international perspective, centring care-experienced rangatahi as leaders in the national conversation on care. This conference is intended for care experienced taiohi, caregivers, kaimahi, providers, and both government and non-government sectors. To enquire about financial support to attend for, or as, a care-experienced rangatahi or young person, or to sponsor a care experienced rangatahi or young person to attend, email youthparticipation@voyce.org.nz.

This Quick Reads covers:

• New resource for young people worried about what they’re watching online
• UN Call for Inputs: Study on “the rights of Indigenous Peoples in conflict and post-conflict situations
• Latest suicide data released by Te Whatu Ora and the Chief Coroner
• Inaugural national conference on transforming the care experience in Aotearoa

Vine Quick Reads: 7 November 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

New report – The real fertility crisis: The pursuit of reproductive agency in a changing world (2025)

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has published The Real Fertility Crisis: The pursuit of reproductive agency in a changing world (2025), which explores the fertility crisis as a crisis of reproductive agency. It uses survey data from 14 countries to explore whether people are achieving the family size they desire and what social conditions affect this. Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa have published a news story on the report. For more on this issue, see The Spinoff’s article, New Zealand’s low birth rate isn’t just about maths – it’s about fairness.

Human Rights Commission publishes 2023/2024 Monitoring places of detention (2025) report

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata | Human Rights Commission (HRC) have published 2023/2024 Monitoring places of detention: Annual report of activities under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (2025). It reports on monitoring of places in Aotearoa where people are deprived of their liberty (such as prisons, youth mental health facilities, and aged care units) to prevent torture or ill-treatment. HRC raises concerns including occupancy levels and staffing pressures; over-representation and inequities experienced by Māori; and holding children and young people on remand in police cells for prolonged periods.

VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai publishes new report on state of the care system

VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai has recently published Kei te rongo koe? | Are you listening? - Our voices on the state of care (2025). The report draws on more than 50 existing submissions and 140 official reports featuring the voices of care experienced young people. It also introduces a 0-10 scorecard that rates the state’s performance on each of the Six Promises. For more, see coverage from RNZ, Youth in state care still not getting enough support, survey finds, and Waatea News, Report Reveals Harm and Neglect in State Care for Māori Rangatahi.

New research on Safeguarding adults in Aotearoa New Zealand

Safeguarding adults in Aotearoa New Zealand: the futility of micro and meso interventions without a legislative imperative (2025) was recently published open-access in the academic journal, Disability and Society. The article reports on learnings taken from a 2024 pilot in South Auckland that documented barriers and enablers to the development of a local, multisectoral adult-at-risk safeguarding initiative.

New resource for upholding the safety, dignity and well-being of kaumātua

Ahi Kaa Indigenous Solutions has released Kete tiaki: prevention and response toolkit for upholding safety, dignity and well-being for kaumātua. The toolkit is designed to support those working with kaumātua to recognise and respond to abuse in a way that maintains mana and empowers both individuals and communities. It contains information on recognising abuse as well as a guide on how to raise your concerns with kaumātua.

Safe to Talk, a new pathway to ACC’s Sensitive Claims Service

A new pathway to ACC’s Sensitive Claims Service is now available through Safe to talk.

Safe to talk will:

• Help survivors find information and connect them to the Sensitive Claims Services or other services that are right for them
• Work directly with Sensitive Claims Service suppliers to confirm their availability and connect survivors with them
• Offer a check-in service that provides regular updates on their search and connects them to other supports they may need while waiting. 

You can still use the original ‘Find a therapy provider’ tool if preferred. For more information, see the Ministry of Social Development’s recent newsletter or visit the Sensitive Claims Service webpage.

This Quick Reads covers:

• New report – The real fertility crisis (2025)
• HRC publishes 2023/2024 Monitoring places of detention (2025) report
• VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai publishes new report on state of the care system
• New research on Safeguarding adults in Aotearoa New Zealand
• New resource for upholding the safety, dignity and well-being of kaumātua
• Safe to Talk, a new pathway to ACC’s Sensitive Claims Service

Vine Quick Reads: 31 October 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Submission open for Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill

Public submissions on the Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill are now open. The bill creates a legal framework for the provision of redress to survivors of abuse in State care and also intends to:

• establish the legal presumption that serious violent and sexual offenders are not eligible for financial redress under a redress scheme
• establish offences (and penalties) for failing to disclose criminal convictions that would make an applicant ineligible for financial redress under a redress scheme; and
• provide legal protections for core State agencies when making apologies for abuse in State care.

The full Bill can be read online, here. For more, see media coverage from Te Ao Māori News and RNZ. Submissions close 26 November 2025.

New Netsafe resource on AI social companions

Netsafe has published an overview of AI social companions. AI social companions are chatbot-based apps, websites, or services designed to mimic human conversation. Netsafe’s overview covers:

• what an AI social companion is
• the appeal of AI social companions
• the risks of AI social companions
• how young people can be kept safe in their interactions with AI social companions.

If you have further questions or are worried by someone’s use of AI social companions, contact Netsafe.

New Crown Law resource: Victims’ Guide to Appeals

Te Tari Ture o te Karauna | Crown Law has published Victims’ Guide to Appeals. This resource provides information on what an appeal is, outlines the appeals process from notice of appeal to the final decision, and provides information on making complaints. The resource also includes a visual map of the process.

More information can be found on Victims Info, here.

Call for input on the definitions of “terrorism”, “terrorist organisation” and “violent extremism”

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights has issued a call for inputs on a best practice international definition of “terrorism”, revising and updating the 2010 model definition. It also calls for input on the need to define a "terrorist organisation" and the implications and limits of defining "violent extremism". Key questions to guide responses and more information on making a submission can be found at the link above.

Submissions are due by 1 December 2025.

Call for input on thematic report on violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women

The United Nations Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender identity has issued a call for input for their thematic report on violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women. The report aims to understand the distinct and intersecting forms of violence and discrimination that LBQ women face globally. It would like to hear directly from LBQ women, their organisations, and allies about the realities they face. Key questions to guide responses and more information on making a submission can be found at the link above.

Submissions are due by 15 January 2026.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Submission open for Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill
• New Netsafe resource on AI social companions
• New Crown Law resource: Victims’ Guide to Appeals
• Call for input on the definitions of “terrorism”, “terrorist organisation” and “violent extremism”
• Call for input on thematic report on violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women

Vine Quick Reads: 24 October 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

New health resources from Backbone Collective to support victim-survivors

The Backbone Collective have developed new resources along with HELP Auckland to support victim-survivors to receive healthcare which is victim-survivor-centred and mana enhancing.

Resources include:

• A ‘How to Support Me’ template to help victim-survivors inform healthcare practitioners of their needs
• A ‘Centring Victim-Survivors in Healthcare Appointments’ guide for practitioners on how better to support victim-survivors
• An adaptable victim-survivor-centred consent script for practitioners
• An A4 quick-glance poster for quick tips for responding to distress during a healthcare appointment or procedure

You can share feedback on these resources via the Backbone Collective’s health landing page, here.

MSD Benefit System Report released

Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora | Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has released their Benefit System Report (2025). It provides commentary on the current state and longer-term trends of Aotearoa’s benefit system including shifts in the economy, labour market and population. In related news, the Government has announced changes to Jobseeker Support from November 2026. Young people, aged 18 and 19, will need to meet a Parental Assistance Test before they can get Jobseeker Support or Emergency Benefit. See media coverage from RNZ and 1News.

Changes to dissolution of marriage proceedings for victims of family violence

People affected by family violence now have a new legal ground to apply for a faster dissolution (divorce) of marriage or civil union as a protected person. The Family Proceedings (Dissolution of Marriage or Civil Union for Family Violence) Amendment Act 2024 now allows victims with a final protection order against their spouse to apply for a dissolution without having to live separately for two years as otherwise required. More information can be found on the Ministry of Justice website, here.

This Quick Reads covers:

• New health resources from Backbone Collective to support victim-survivors
• MSD Benefit System Report released
• Changes to dissolution of marriage proceedings for victims of family violence

Vine Quick Reads: 15 October 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Ministry of Social Development releases evaluation of Budget 2019 investment in sexual violence support services

Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora | Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has released their evaluations of Budget 19 investment in sexual violence support services. The evaluation reports were the result of a multi-year work programme undertaken by MSD to understand the difference that the Budget 2019 investment made. Budget 19 allocated $90.3 million to MSD to improve the sexual violence support system. The full list of reports can be found on MSD's website.

Ministry of Justice seeking feedback on draft Long-Term Insights Briefing

Te Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice are seeking feedback on their draft Long-Term Insights Briefing (LTIB). The topic of this briefing is “the future operation of the courts and justice services” and was developed in consultation with the public. A copy of the draft Briefing and a summary document is available alongside information on how to make a submission. Submissions are due by 5pm, Sunday 9 November 2025.

Māori Futures Programme 2026 PhD Scholarships open for applications

The Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga (NPM) Māori Futures Programme is now accepting applications for their 2026 PhD scholarship. The programme focuses on developing the next generation of Māori research leaders who can set and pursue impactful research that contributes to building a flourishing future for Māori. The scholarship provides financial assistance through a non-taxable stipend and ongoing support through the NPM Māori Futures Programme. More information on scholarship eligibility, duration, value and application process can be found on the Scholarships webpage. Applications are due 5pm, Monday 10 November 2025.

This Quick Reads covers:

• MSD releases evaluation of Budget 2019 investment in sexual violence support services
• MoJ seeking feedback on draft Long-Term Insights Briefing
• Māori Futures Programme 2026 PhD Scholarships open for applications

Vine Quick Reads: 10 October 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

New series of reports captures whānau Māori voices on health and wellbeing

Te Mātuku, the iwi-Māori partnership board for Te Ranga Tupua, has released their Whānau Voice series. The four-report series captured whānau Māori voices from across Whanganui, Rangitīkei, Ruapehu and parts of South Taranaki. The reports were produced to help guide local health authorities, ensuring Māori health needs and priorities are reflected in decision-making. The reports are broad in scope and reveal that wellbeing is inseparable from equity of access, cultural safety and trust. For more, see Whanganui Chronicle’s coverage, Te Mātuku launches whānau voice report series to guide local health decisions.

New report on young people’s perspectives on Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) from Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa

Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa (SWA) has published Young People’s Perspectives on Relationship and Sexuality Educations (RSE) Online Survey Report | Executive Summary (2025). This provides an overview of SWA’s survey of more than 1000 participants aged 16-20 on what they thought about RSE in schools. The summary covers methodology, participant demographics, and a high-level summary of responses. For more information, see the Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa media release: “Give us more” – young people want sex ed to be earlier, longer, and more inclusive.

United Nations’ violence related calls for input

The United Nations has issued calls for input on two violence-related issues:

• The Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children has issued a call for input for the final report on new patterns of sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children. Input is due by Friday 31 October 2025 (NZ).
• The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has issued a call for input on the preparation of guidelines on the prevention, eradication, punishment, and reparation of violence based on disability. The call is open to all persons with disabilities and/or their representative organisations. Input is due by Sunday 30 November 2025 (NZ).

Information on making a submission for either can be found at each of the links above.

Remarks from United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT) on their second visit to Aotearoa

The United Nations SPT recently concluded their second visit to Aotearoa and have issued a media release: New Zealand needs to cut prison population and strengthen oversight, UN torture prevention body says. The SPT made unannounced visits to a range of facilities including prisons, police stations, youth justice and care and protection residences, as well as care homes for the elderly. The SPT will submit a confidential report to the Government with its observations and recommendations and will encourage the Government to publicly release it. For more, see Te Kāhui Tika Tangata | Human Rights Commission’s media release.

Resources on consent and healthy relationships in Latin American Communities in Aotearoa

Shama recently highlighted two Spanish-language video resources on consent and healthy relationships in Latin communities in Aotearoa. The videos were produced by MiTuakiri, an online platform that helped facilitate the social integration Latin American migrants in Aotearoa, as part of the 2021 Shama prevention of sexual violence program. Though MiTuakiri is no longer active, the videos remain as sexual violence prevention resources for both Latin American and other ethnic communities in Aotearoa.

This Quick Reads covers:

• New series of reports captures whānau Māori voices on health and wellbeing
• New report on young people’s perspectives on RSE from Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa
• United Nations’ violence related calls for input
• Remarks from UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture on their second visit to Aotearoa
• Resources on consent and healthy relationships in Latin American Communities in Aotearoa

Vine Quick Reads: 3 October 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

UN call for input on the 2026 Thematic Report on Gender Equality

The UN Working Group on discrimination against women and girls is calling for inputs to the 2026 Thematic Report on Gender Equality, the Digital Space and the Age of Artificial Intelligence. The report will use a gendered lens to analyse existing approaches to AI at national and international levels and build understanding of AI’s intersection with other forms of digital technologies already impacting women and girls. The Working Group have provided questionnaires to inform submissions. Submissions are due by 31 October 2025.

New report on harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) in children

A new report has been published by Safer Futures Hub: Children displaying harmful sexual behaviours (HSB): Evidence and responses (2025). This report presents findings from an evidence review and stakeholder consultation across multiple regions and sectors, exploring how to better understand, prevent, and respond to HSB among children. For more, see a recording of the report’s launch webinar.

Ombudsmen opinion on the administration of children’s safety checks by Health New Zealand

The Ombudsman has found that Health NZ had not been following the vetting processes required under the Children’s Act 2014 and the Children’s (Requirements for Safety Checks of Children's Workers) Regulations 2015. An investigation was initiated by the Ombudsman after concerns were raised by a hospital whistle-blower. The Ombudsman has also released a short video discussing the case. For an overview of the opinion, see the Ombudsman’s media release and for more on the matter, see Mana Mokopuna Children’s Commissioner’s media release.

Applications are open for Indigidata 2025

Applications are open for Indigidata 2025, a six-day residential programme aiming to build capacity amongst Māori in Māori data science, Māori data sovereignty, Māori data ethics and Māori data applications. Applicants will be considered from among Māori tauira in any discipline, kaimahi Māori, and Māori with strong iwi, hapu, community or business connections. Indigidata 2025 will run from 23-28 November 2025, organised by Te Mana Raraunga in partnership with Te Kotahi Research Institute, Genomics Aotearoa, Indigidata and TAIAO. Applications close Sunday 12 October 2025.

This Quick Reads cover:

• UN call for input on the 2026 Thematic Report on Gender Equality
• New report on harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) in children
• Ombudsmen opinion on the administration of children’s safety checks by Health New Zealand
• Applications are open for Māori data science programme, Indigidata 2025

Vine Quick Reads: 25 September 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

New resource to support the sexual health and wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities

Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa has released Bodies, Boundaries and Being Me | Ngā Tinana, Ngā Pātanga Ko Au, a free resource to support the sexual health and wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities. The resource includes an 8-module programme designed to be used and delivered by disability organisations, kura, and schools working with people with intellectual disabilities aged 13 years and older. Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa offers training for facilitators to enable them to confidently and capably deliver the programme to people with intellectual disabilities. For more, see Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa’s media release.

UN call for inputs on guidelines to prevent and eliminate child, early and forced marriage

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) at the United Nations has issued a call for inputs on guidelines to prevent and eliminate child, early and forced marriage and has provided a list of 7 key questions. Submissions will inform OHCHR’s action-oriented guidelines for States to effectively apply a human rights-based approach to the prevention and elimination of child, early and forced marriage. Submissions are due 10am, 11 October 2025 NZ time.

2025 Family Violence and Sexual Violence Workforce Pulse Survey still open, results for 2024 Survey released

The 2025 Family Violence and Sexual Violence Workforce Pulse Survey remains open until 8 October 2025. Undertaken by the Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention, the survey collects information to better understand the sexual violence and family violence workforces in Aotearoa and to support reporting on the second Action Plan. The survey findings will be reported and published online early in 2026. The Centre have also released their 2024 Workforce Survey results. The results are presented for all respondents as well as being aggregated further into kaimahi Māori and Pacific practitioners.

New Ministry of Justice research and fact sheet on sexual violence

Te Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice has released a report and a factsheet looking at sexual violence.

• Report: Progression of reported sexual assaults through the criminal justice system (2025)
• Factsheet: Sexual assault victims: experieinces of women and men (2025).

For more, see the  Ministry of Justice’s family violence and sexual violence research page.

This Quick Reads covers:

• New resource to support the sexual health and wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities
• UN call for inputs on guidelines to prevent and eliminate child, early and forced marriage
• 2025 FV/SV Workforce Pulse Survey still open, results for 2024 Survey released
• New Ministry of Justice research and fact sheet on sexual violence

Vine Quick Reads: 19 September 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

New article published looks at communicating research using Kaupapa Māori practices

A new article from Whakauae Research has been published: Reclaiming the Threads: Re-Narrating Māori Stories in New Spaces (2025). It explores how translation of Māori research data into innovative formats and spaces can enhance communication and broaden its uptake, including with Māori audiences. The article uses as a case study the research project, Tō Mātou Kāinga tō Mātou Ūkaipō, and Māori creative students’ collaborative and novel approaches to communicating research findings. For an overview, see Whakauae Research’s media release.

New report on early intervention in family and gender-based violence

Safe and Equal have published Early intervention in family and gender-based violence: Scoping paper (2025), which examines early intervention programmes in Victoria, Australia and how they can be supported to grow and develop. It defines early intervention as initiatives designed to stop abuse from escalating and shift attitudes and behaviours to minimise immediate and long-term risk.

New Ministry of Justice trends and data tables

Te Tāhū o te Ture| Ministry of Justice has released updated data tables for the financial year ending 31 June 2025. Related resources include:

• Key trends for people with finalised charges in court, including children and young people in and out of Youth Court
• Downloadable data tables for sexual offences, family violence offences, protection order applications, and family violence programmes
• A new category for Strangulation/suffocation offences, resulting from the revised Australian and New Zealand Standard Offence Classification (v2.0.0)

Also as a result of the revised Offence Classifications (v2.0.0), the category 'offences related to family violence' no longer exists. For more statistics, see Vine’s dedicated page: He tatauranga/He Tauanga | Violence Statistics.

2025 Gender Attitude Survey results released

The National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ) has released the results of the Aotearoa New Zealand Gender Attitudes Survey 2025, which is the fifth of its kind undertaken by NCWNZ and Rangahau Aotearoa Research New Zealand. It asks the following key questions:

• What importance do New Zealanders place on gender equality
• How is this reflected in their opinions about the genders
• How well are we doing in terms of achieving gender equality.

See also NCWNZ’s media release, 2025 Gender Attitude Survey results released – with concerning trends. For additional coverage, see Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa’s media release and The Spinoff’s summary.

This Quick Reads covers:

• New article published looks at communicating research using Kaupapa Māori practices
• New report on early intervention in family and gender-based violence
• New Ministry of Justice trends and data tables
• 2025 Gender Attitude Survey results released

Vine Quick Reads: 12 September 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Law Commission’s review of Human Rights Act protections for transgender, non-binary and intersex people released

Te Aka Matua o te Ture I Law Commission has published la Tangata: Protections in the Human Rights Act 1993 for people who are transgender, people who are non-binary and people with innate variations in sex characteristics (2025). It makes 27 recommendations for reform of New Zealand’s anti-discrimination law to provide clearer protection to people who are transgender or non-binary or who have an innate variation of sex characteristics (sometimes known as intersex). For an overview, see the Law Commission’s media release. For media discussion of the report, see coverage by The Spinoff and Newsroom.

Key mental health and addiction findings from NZ Health Survey 2023/2024 released

Te Hiringa Mahara | Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission have released Key mental health and addiction findings: NZ Health Survey 2023/24 (2025). The report offers key findings on levels of psychological distress, demand for mental health care, level of unmet need for mental health and addiction support, and levels of hazardous drinking and drug use. The report also highlights continuing disparities for disabled adults and Māori and Pacific adults.

UN Women releases paper on practices and strategies for advancing gender equality and women’s rights

UN Women have published Pushing forward for rights, equality and justice in a shifting global context (2025). The paper provides analysis of the strategies and practices that have proven effective in advancing gender equality and women’s rights and addresses global pushback. In addition to specific tactics and priorities, the paper also offers recommendations on strengthening accountability, securing sustainable funding, and building international solidarity.

This Quick Reads covers:

• New Law Commission review of current Human Rights Act protections for transgender, non-binary and intersex people
• Key mental health and addiction findings from NZ Health Survey 2023/2024 released
• UN Women releases paper on practices and strategies for advancing gender equality and women’s rights

Vine Quick Reads: 5 September 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Backbone Collective survey of victim-survivors on stopping violence programmes and interventions

The Backbone Collective is running a new anonymous survey to capture women victim-survivors' experiences of stopping violence programmes and interventions. The survey results will help Backbone ensure a victim-survivor voice is present in the stopping-violence conversation. The survey asks questions about what behaviours victim-survivors would like to see changed as a result of stopping violence programmes and interventions and how these programmes and interventions should interact with victim-survivors. The survey also asks those can speak to the experience whether behaviour change programmes and initiatives have made themselves and their families safer. Opportunities are also available for Māori and Pacific women to wānanga and talanoa about this topic. Information on how can be found in the survey. The survey is open to all women victim-survivors aged 16 and over who live in Aotearoa and will remain open until 14 September 2025.

3 new articles published from He Koiora Matapopore | 2019 New Zealand Family Violence Study

Three open-access articles on violence in Aotearoa have been published using data sourced from He Koiora Matapopore | 2019 New Zealand Family Violence Study:

• Help-seeking by women and men after experiencing any IPV, including physical, sexual, and psychological IPV, controlling behaviors, or economic abuse: a population-based study from New Zealand (2025)
• Women’s lifetime interpersonal violence exposure and associations with hospitalization at the national level: results from a New Zealand population-based study (2025)
• Men’s lifetime interpersonal violence exposure and associations with hospitalization at the national level: results from a New Zealand population-based study (2025)

The latter 2 articles also drew from the National Minimum Dataset (hospital events). For an overview of the Interpersonal violence and hospitalisation research, see Interpersonal violence in NZ is a public health crisis, not just a social one – new research. See here for more from He Koiora Matapopore | 2019 New Zealand Family Violence Study.

Reports from the South Australia Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence

The South Australia Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence released its final report, With courage: South Australia's vision beyond violence (2025). The report includes the voices of more than 1,300 people with lived and living experience and makes 136 recommendations to end domestic, family and sexual violence in South Australia. The report, Silence and inaction: children and young people’s experiences of violence and systemic failure in South Australia (2025) was prepared for the Royal Commission and has also now been published. For an overview, see the Conversation’s coverage of With Courage and their coverage of Silence and inaction. For additional research on the impacts of verbal abuse on children, see Childhood verbal abuse shows similar impact on adult mental health as physical abuse.

Kotahitanga: Understanding identities through intersectionality (2025), new resource from Ara Taiohi

Ara Taiohi have published Kaiparahuarahi (Vol.2 No.3), Kotahitanga: Understanding identities through intersectionality (2025).This edition of Kaiparahuarahi explores the implications of intersectionality for Youth Work in Aotearoa. The entries in this edition are grouped into six core perspectives:

• Tāngata Whenua
• Tagata o le Moana
• Ethnic Communities
• Rainbow Communities
• Tāngata Whaikaha
• Te Whakapono me te Wairuatanga.

2025 New Zealand Security Intelligence Services (NZSIS) Security Threat Environment report

The NZSIS has released New Zealand's security threat environment 2025: an assessment by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (2025). This is the third annual Security Threat Environment report to be published, and it outlines the NZSIS’s assessment of foreign interference, espionage and violent extremism, including online radicalisation, in Aotearoa. These reports are published with the aim of spurring mature conversations within government, organisations and communities about how these threats might manifest and what can be done to identify and mitigate them. For more, see NZSIS’s media release and RNZ coverage.

UN experts reaffirm central role of gender in advancing human rights and equality

Experts from the UN have issued a joint statement reaffirming the centrality of gender, and its understanding, in the project of advancing substantive equality and human rights for all. They expressed deep concern about attempts to reassert rigid, binary conceptions of sex, which minimise the social, historical and cultural factors that shape gender. The experts go on to warn that the entrenchment of these beliefs risk reinforcing, rather than dismantling, structural inequalities.

The Ministry of Justice released the latest findings from the New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey

Te Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice has released Violent crime May 2025: NZCVS year-to-May 2025 update (2025). The report provides estimates of the number of victims of violent offences for the 12-month period leading up to May 2025. For more, see TOAH-NNEST’s response: Crime & Victim Survey Shows Sexual Violence Climbing, Government’s Approach Falling Behind.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Survey of victim-survivors on stopping violence programmes and interventions
• 3 new articles published from He Koiora Matapopore | 2019 New Zealand Family Violence Study
• Reports from the South Australia Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence
• Kotahitanga: Understanding identities through intersectionality (2025)
• 2025 New Zealand Security Intelligence Services (NZSIS) Security Threat Environment report
• UN experts reaffirm central role of gender in advancing human rights and equality
• The Ministry of Justice released latest findings from the New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey

Vine Quick Reads: 29 August 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Family Violence and Sexual Violence Workforce Pulse Survey now open

The Centre for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Prevention has opened its 2025 Family Violence and Sexual Violence Workforce Pulse Survey. The survey collects information to better understand the sexual violence and family violence workforces in Aotearoa and to support the Centre’s reporting on progress towards outcomes relating to the second Action Plan. The survey findings will be reported and published online early in 2026. The survey is open until 8 October 2025.

Social Investment Fund Contract Consolidation pathway opening soon

Toi Hau Tāngata | Social Investment Agency will open its Contract Consolidation pathway for expressions of interest on Monday 1 September 2025. This pathway consolidates an organisation’s existing contracts with one or more government agencies into a single outcomes-based agreement to be administered by the Social Investment Fund. For more information, see here. Expressions of interest close on 29 September 2025.

Bill protecting victims giving evidence of family violence in Family Court passes into law

The Evidence (Giving Family Violence Evidence in Family Court Proceedings) Amendment Bill passed into law on 26 August 2025. This extends protection for those giving evidence in the Family Court by automatically entitling them to do so in the following ways:

• in the courtroom but separate from anyone the evidence is about
• in another location outside the courtroom

The entitlement to give evidence by pre-recorded video prior to the hearing was removed from the final version of the Bill. For more, see RNZ’s coverage.

Research on online body shaming and its effect on the brain

A new research article has been published: Differential neural responses to body image-related cyberbullying in adolescent females (2025). The study examined the effect of body-shaming social media posts on young women’s brain activity. For a summary of the research, see the researcher’s piece for the Conversation. For more on the topic, see Te Mana Whakatu | Classification Office and Netsafe’s 2024 report: Digital reflections: the online experience and its influence on youth body image in Aotearoa (2024).

New research brief: Responding to Pacific maternal and paternal mental health (2025)

Moana Connect has releases a new research brief: Responding to Pacific maternal and paternal mental health (2025). The Brief summarises research that looked at three related questions:

• How do Pacific parents experience poor mental health?
• What puts Pacific parents more at risk of mental health struggles around the birth of a child?
• What kinds of support do Pacific parents access to help them deal with mental health struggles around the birth of a child?

New WHO report on the public health impact of corporal punishment of children

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published Corporal punishment of children: the public health impact (2025). The report describes the prevalence, risk factors for, and consequences of child corporal punishment, which it defines as “any punishment in which physical force is used and intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort, however light”.

This Quick Reads covers:

• FV and SV Workforce Pulse Survey now open
• Social Investment Fund Contract Consolidation pathway opening soon
• Bill protecting victims giving evidence of FV in Family Court passes into law
• Research on online body shaming and its effect on the brain
• New research brief on Pacific maternal and paternal mental health
• New WHO report on public health impacts of corporal punishment of children

Vine Quick Reads: 22 August 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Consultation open on the draft New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026-2030

Whaikaha | Ministry of Disabled People is seeking feedback on the draft New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026-2030. Feedback will inform the shape of the final strategy, which will then go to Cabinet for approval. You can read the draft strategy in plain text, NZSL, audio format, braille, easy read, and large print. There are also several options for providing feedback, including via online form, online and in-person meetings, and by video submission. The closing date for submissions is Sunday 28 September 2025.

First round of Social Investment Fund opening

The first round of the Social Investment Fund will open for new investment applications on 25 August 2025 with a focus on children of families with complex needs. Applicants will need to demonstrate that their proposals will focus on one or more of the following priority groups:

• children whose parent(s) are currently or have recently been in prison
• children of parent(s) who experienced the care system
• children that were stood down or suspended from school when they were 12 or younger.

The priority outcomes are improved health, greater safety, ensuring stable and secure housing, improving knowledge and skills, growing income and wealth, and supporting people into work. More information on the application process is available online. For further questions, contact the Fund at info@sia.govt.nz. Applications close Tuesday 23 September 2025.

Change in ACC eligibility for survivors of sexual abuse

ACC have amended the date from which a victim-survivor of sexual abuse is eligible for financial support in response to a Court of Appeal ruling. Previously, to receive weekly loss of potential earnings (LOPE) payments under ACC, survivors had to seek treatment for mental injury arising from childhood sexual abuse before they turned 18. Eligibility is now based on the date of mental injury suffered (i.e. often the date the abuse or assault occurred) rather than the date treatment was first sought. Victim-survivors of childhood sexual abuse who were previously ineligible may now be eligible to receive LOPE. If you think you might be eligible for LOPE, contact ACC: sensitiveclaims@acc.co.nz and 0800 735 566.

New report on family violence policing in Victoria, Australia

A new research report has been published by Flat Out: Harm in the Name of Safety: Victorian family violence workers’ experiences of family violence policing (2025). The report raises concerns about widespread police responses that undermine victim-survivor safety. The report argues for alternative community-based response pathways for victim-survivors.

Short film released about engaging with tāngata whai ora from the rainbow community

Te Pou, in collaboration with InsideOUT, has developed the short film, Be a Star. This film is intended to help people provide safe, affirming support to tāngata whai ora from the rainbow community. In the film, members of the rainbow community share the positive impacts of affirming interactions with kaimahi when seeking mental health and/ or addiction support. The webpage also links to resources for those wanting to learn more.

New report from Australia’s eSafety Commissioner on digital child exploitation

The eSafety Commissioner, Australia's independent regulator for online safety, has released a new report: A Baseline for online safety transparency: the first regular report on child sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual extortion (2025). The report details the significant gaps in the efforts of large tech companies to combat the sexual exploitation of children on their platforms. For an overview of the report’s findings, see media release, Tech giants are still making minimal efforts to tackle the growing scourge of online child sexual abuse.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Consultation open on the draft New Zealand Disability Strategy 2026-2030
• First round of Social Investment Fund opening
• Change in ACC eligibility for survivors of sexual abuse
• New report on family violence policing in Victoria, Australia
• Short film released about engaging with tāngata whai ora from the rainbow community
• New report from Australia’s eSafety Commissioner on digital child exploitation

Vine Quick Reads: 14 August 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Oranga Tamariki Military-style academy pilot concludes

Oranga Tamariki (OT) has concluded their 12-month Military-Style Academy pilot with 8 of the original 10 participants completing the programme. The pilot intended to target child and youth offending and aimed to reduce serious, repeat offending by 15%. OT’s related reports, briefings, and preliminary evaluations of the residential and community stages of the pilot can be found here, with the final evaluation forthcoming. See RNZ’s coverage of the conclusion of the pilot.

Workforce Futures Fund open for grant applications

Grant applications for the Tahua Rāngaimahi Anamata | Workforce Futures Fund are now open until Friday 12 September 2025. The $15 million workforce fund will be distributed over 3 years across eight sectors, including social services, youth work, mental health and addiction support, disability support, and aged support. See information on how to apply. Organisations can also discuss their proposals prior to submitting by emailing: admin@workforcefuturesfund.nz.

New research from Women’s Refuge on reframing risk and safety

Ngā Whare Whakaruruhau o Aotearoa | National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges have published new research: Reframing ‘risk’ and ‘safety’ in the lives of IPV victims in Aotearoa (2025). Part of the Safer When, Safer How? project, the report explores how perpetrators’ violence produces risk, how system responses amplify these, what fosters safety, and how support can bridge ‘risk’ and ‘support’. For a summary of the findings, see Women’s Refuge’s media release.

Registrations open for Matike Tāhono Cohort 2

Inclusive Aotearoa Collective Tāhono have opened registrations for the second cohort of their Matike Tāhono Reading Rōpū. Over 5 online monthly sessions, the cohort will read He whakaaro here whakaumu mō Aotearoa: the report of Matike Mai Aotearoa - the independent working group on constitutional transformation (2016), with discussion points and concepts to consider throughout the process. For those interested, please register your interest before the initial session on Thursday 21 August 2025.

Kei Roto Tō Tātou Rongoā Symposium

The Kei Roto Tō Tātou Rongoā Symposium is a one-day event that brings together whānau, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to reflect on the insights and learnings gathered through the kaupapa Māori research project, Kei roto tō tātou rongoā. The research explored the experiences of whānau Māori affected by violence and the removal of tamariki, recognising that many lacked the resources and support they needed. Attendees will hear how its insights can inform transformative, whakapapa-based responses across systems of care, support, and social policy. Kei roto tō tātou rongoā is funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand and led by Professor Denise Wilson.

Children and youth online safety, report and online resource

Netsafe and Save the Children have recently released Children and Youth Online Safety in Aotearoa New Zealand (2025), which shares recent survey findings into children’s engagement in the online environment and their views and experiences of online safety. Netsafe have also launched Headspace Invaders, an interactive resource designed to help 12-16-year-olds build resilience, critical thinking, and confidence responding to things that feel wrong or manipulative online.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Oranga Tamariki Military-style academy pilot concludes
• Workforce Futures Fund open for grant applications
• New research from Women’s Refuge on reframing risk and safety
• Registrations open for Matike Tāhono Cohort 2
• Kei Roto Tō Tātou Rongoā Symposium
• Children and youth online safety, report and online resource

‍

Vine Quick Reads: 7 August 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Ministry of Social Development stopping violence interventions survey now open

Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora | Ministry of Social Development has released a survey as part of a review of community-based services for people using violence. It is hoped that the survey will produce a better understanding of:

• what is effective at stopping people’s use of violence
• when’s best to intervene
• what other resources and supports are needed to help people change their behaviour.

A list of programmes included in the review is available alongside information on the security and anonymity of all data provided as part of the survey. The survey closes Friday 29 August 2025.

New report from ECPAT Child Alert on child sexual exploitation in Aotearoa New Zealand

ECPAT Child Alert have released a new report, “I’m just content to them”: Children living through sexual exploitation in Aotearoa New Zealand (2025). The report seeks to better understand how sexual exploitation of children is experienced, recognised, and responded to in Aotearoa, from the perspective of those most directly affected. The report also addresses the absence of a national prevention framework in Aotearoa. For more, see RNZ’s coverage: Child sexual exploitation not sufficiently addressed in NZ, new report finds.

Board Chair announced for new Independent Children’s Monitor

The government has appointed Dr Ang Jury, ONZM, as Chair of the new Board for the Independent Children’s Monitor. This follows the royal assent of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki Legislation Amendment Bill which saw, among other changes, the Independent Children’s Monitor move from a departmental agency to an independent Crown entity with a small multi-member board.

Public submissions open on 5-yearly review of the Social Workers Registration Act 2003

Kāhui Whakamana Tauwhiro | Social Workers Registration Board are calling for feedback as part of their 5-yearly review of the Social Workers Registration Act 2003. This is the first review since mandatory registration was introduced in 2021, making it an important opportunity to check that the Act is doing what it was designed to do – both now and into the future. See how to submit feedback. Submissions close Friday 29 August 2025.

Fund open for events to mark the National Day of Reflection

The National Day of Reflection will take place on 12 November 2025 to remember survivors, reflect, and raise awareness of abuse and neglect in state and faith-based care. The National Day of Reflection Community Fund makes $1 million of funding available to support events and activities to mark the Day. Local events are eligible for grants up to $10,000 and regional events, $25,000, with additional allocation available for reasonable accessibility accommodations. More information is available on eligibility criteria here. Applications are due Sunday 31 August 2025.

UN call for input on rights of disabled persons and disability-inclusive infrastructure

The UN Office of the High Commission for Human Rights (OHCHR) has issued a call for inputs for the thematic study on the rights of persons with disabilities and disability-inclusive infrastructure, including transport and housing. The report will build on previous reports into support systems that ensure community inclusion disability-inclusive infrastructure best practice. Key questions can be found here and guidance for submitting can be found here. Submissions are due 1 September 2025.

This Quick Reads covers:

• MSD stopping violence interventions survey now open
• New report from ECPAT Child Alert on child sexual exploitation in Aotearoa
• Board Chair announced for new Independent Children’s Monitor
• Public submissions open on 5-yearly review of the Social Workers Registration Act 2003
• Fund open for events to mark the National Day of Reflection
• UN call for input on rights of disabled persons and disability-inclusive infrastructure

Vine Quick Reads: 31 July 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

New report on the financial barriers to exiting abusive relationships

Good Shepherd have released a new report, Barriers to Exit: How financial barriers prevent women from leaving abusive relationships (2025). It combines their own client research with academic and cross-sector findings to illustrate financial challenges facing women when they try to leave an abusive relationship. They have developed seven recommendations for businesses and government to better support victim-survivors and address the complex challenges caused by family violence economic abuse.

New website, resources for Supported Decision-Making

Whaimana | Support My Decisions is a website designed to help family, whānau, friends, supporters, carers, advocates, and service providers to support disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori to make their own choices. The website contains information and resources for both those who want support making their own decisions and those helping others make decisions. The website was sponsored by Whaikaha | Ministry of Disabled People and was developed by an advisory group of disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori, people with lived experience, family and whānau, and representatives from government and non-government organisations. For more on the launch, read the media release from Whaikaha.

New publication on climate change and gender-based violence

Spotlight Initiative, a United Nations initiative to end violence against women and girls (VAWG), has recently published Colliding Crises: How the climate crisis fuels gender-based violence (2025). The publication:

• provides an overview of how climate change exacerbates VAWG and offers a quantitative perspective on the scale of impacts;
• sheds light on overlooked forms of violence that threaten progress on climate change;
• draws the connection between ending VAWG and effective climate action; and,
• suggests how climate and VAWG actors can better work together.

Let’s Start Asking – Are You OK campaign released for International Friendship Day

The latest installment of Are You OK’s new campaign, Let’s Start Asking, launched on 30 July for International Friendship Day. It encourages New Zealanders to ask the simple question: “Are you OK?” and aims to normalise asking our friends and loved ones this as an act of care and friendship.

This Quick Reads covers:

• New report on the financial barriers to exiting abusive relationships
• New website, resources for Supported Decision-Making
• New publication on climate change and gender-based violence
• Let’s Start Asking – Are You OK campaign released for International Friendship Day

Vine Quick Reads: 18 July 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

New report released on digital violent extremism

Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) have released their 2024 Transparency Report: Digital Violent Extremism (2025), which provides an overview of terrorist and violent extremist content (TVEC) online in Aotearoa. It also examines crisis response activities and their prevention and education work. For more, see DIA media release, Referrals of terrorist and violent extremist content increased by 10 percent in 2024.

Netsafety Week 2025: resources on technology facilitated violence and online safety

Netsafe are running their annual Netsafety Week from 28 July to 1 August 2025. This year’s theme is “Power in Partnerships” and showcases Netsafe’s collaborations. The week’s lineup includes:

• Monday 28 July 2025: Release of Netsafe’s resource in collaboration with Women’s Refuge, Shine, and the Light Project, Together on technology-facilitated coercive control (TFCC). It will help people recognise, understand, and seek support for TFCC and is aimed at those experiencing this abuse and their support people.
• 12pm Monday 28 July 2025: Webinar on AI and Online Safety run by Netsafe and the AI Asia Pacific Institute, which will share the latest research, emerging risks and opportunities, and digital resilience strategies in an evolving tech landscape.
• 1pm Wednesday 30 July 2025: Webinar on Reflections on International Indigenous Health Collaborations where Netsafe CEO Brent Carey and Netsafe Poutaki Mātauranga Māori Amokura Panaho reflect on the recent INIHKD RIEL global Indigenous health conference.

This Quick Reads Covers:

• New report released on digital violent extremism
• Netsafety Week 2025: resources on technology facilitated violence and online safety

Vine Quick Reads: 11 July 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

New resource on child-led protection orders and questionnaire from The Backbone Collective

The Backbone Collective has released Child-led Protection Orders: An Information Resource for Victim-Survivors (2025). This guides victim-survivors under the age of 16 through the process of applying for a Protection Order themselves, including information about legal aid and a flowchart of relevant decisions.

The Backbone Collective is seeking responses to their anonymous questionnaire on barriers children face when accessing counselling and other therapeutic services after experiencing family violence or sexual violence. The questionnaire can be found here and closes 27 July 2025.

New report from Oranga Tamariki: Understanding Reports of Concern

Oranga Tamariki has released Understanding Reports of Concern: Insights into the increase in reports of concern in 2024 and exploring future demand (2025). This report examines the drivers of the recent increase in reports of concern made by the public and considers potential trends in the future. Drivers include changes to Oranga Tamariki recording practices, awareness, public reporting behaviours, and social and economic stress.

New report on Normative Advances on Technology-Facilitated Violence against Women and Girls (TF VAWG)

UN Women has published Normative Advances on Technology-Facilitated Violence against Women and Girls (2025). This report provides an overview of key normative advances on TF VAWG at global and regional levels, highlighting ongoing gaps and challenges, and offers promising examples of commitments being translated into action. ‘Normative advances’ here refers to changes in legislation, guidelines, policies, or standards.

New report on data collection and evidence on gender-based violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC)

UN Women has published Measuring gender-based violence: Data collection and evidence on violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics (2025). This report seeks to address knowledge gaps in the scale and manifestations of violence perpetrated with the intent to punish those who are perceived as defying dominant gender and/or sexual norms and narratives. It argues for and provides solutions to enable a greater global capacity to collect comprehensive, disaggregated, and inclusive data to fill this gap.

This Quick Reads Covers:

• New resource on child-led protection orders and questionnaire from The Backbone Collective
• New report from Oranga Tamariki: Understanding Reports of Concern
• New report on Normative Advances on Technology-Facilitated Violence
• New report on data collection and evidence on gender-based violence

Vine Quick Reads: 3 July 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Registrations open: 2025 He Pounga Waihoe Nā ō Mātua Symposium

Registrations have opened for He Pounga Waihoe Nā ō Mātua Symposium 2025, hosted by Te Atawhai o Te Ao at Whangaehu Marae in Whanganui on 24 July 2025. The symposium explores Māori experiences of intergenerational trauma, recovery and healing. To register and to learn more, visit 2025 He Pounga Waihoe Nā ō Mātua Symposium.

New report from the 2024 Oranga Tamariki (OT) Annual Caregiver Satisfaction Survey

Oranga Tamariki have released Annual Caregiver Satisfaction Survey: Deep Dive — Strengthening the caregiver experience (2025). This report provides insights and practical recommendations for improving and strengthening caregivers’ experiences of support across a range of critical areas. These include education, health, financial assistance, social worker practice, child transitions, communication with OT and timely access to support, training, and respite.

Sentencing (Reform) Amendment Bill passes into law

The Sentencing (Reform) Amendment Bill received Royal Assent and came into force on 29 June 2025. The Act primarily amended the Sentencing Act 2002, increasing its punitive capacity. Changes include:

• Reductions to sentencing discounts for personal circumstances, youth and remorse, and early guilty pleas;
• Encouraging the use of cumulative sentencing for offences committed while out on bail;
• A new aggravating factor related to retail crime;
• The amendment of aggravating factors related to victims in state or faith-based care and the age victims — progressing recommendations made in the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care; and,
• Amending the principles of sentencing to include a requirement to consider any information provided to the court about victims’ interests.

For more, see RNZ’s coverage or read the Bill.

United Nations (UN) seeking submissions on addressing discrimination against women and girls with disabilities

The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) has issued a call for written submissions on the draft guidelines on addressing multiple and intersectional forms of discrimination against women and girls with disabilities. This comes in response to gaps found in the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities regarding articles 5 (non-discrimination), 6 (women with disabilities), and 16 (protection against violence, exploitation and abuse). More information is available on the key questions and types of input/comments sought and how to make a submission.

Submissions are due 15 September 2025.

Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Bill passes into law

The Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent on 30 June 2025 and take effect from 1 August 2025. The Bill amends the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 and Children and Young People’s Commission Act 2022.

This will transition:

• The Monitor from a departmental agency to an independent Crown entity with a small multi-member board; and
• The Children and Young People’s Commission from an independent Crown entity led by a multi-member board to an independent Crown entity led by a single Children’s Commissioner.

The Monitor’s current Chief Executive, Arran Jones, and the current Chief Children’s Commissioner, Dr Claire Achmad, will remain in place for one more year from 1 August 2024. For more, read the Bill online.

Victims of Sexual Violence (Strengthening Legal Protections) Legislation Bill passes into law

The Victims of Sexual Violence (Strengthening Legal Protections) Legislation Bill received royal assent on 30 June 2025. This ensures victims of sexual violence under the age of 12 can no longer be questioned in Court about whether they consented to the offending. The Bill also increases victims’ autonomy in sharing the details of their case and makes permanent name suppression for the convicted offender dependent upon the victim’s agreement. Mana Mokopuna Chief Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad commented on the law change. For more, see RNZ coverage and read the Bill.

This Quick Reads Covers:

• Registrations open: 2025 He Pounga Waihoe Nā ō Mātua Symposium
• New report from the 2024 Oranga Tamariki (OT) Annual Caregiver Satisfaction Survey
• Sentencing (Reform) Amendment Bill passes into law
• UN seeking submissions on addressing discrimination against women and girls with disabilities
• Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Bill passes into law
• Victims of Sexual Violence (Strengthening Legal Protections) Legislation Bill passes into law

Vine Quick Reads: 26 June 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

New report: Whakapakari Kaimahi Māori: mō te oranga me te hiranga

He Whare Wāhine - Te Rau Ora have released the Whakapakari Kaimahi Māori: mō te oranga me te hiranga (2025), prepared for Te Pukōtahitanga as part of the Workforce Development Project for kaimahi Māori in the family violence and sexual violence workforce. The report informs a workforce plan and strategy that ensures the sector is equipped to support whānau and communities effectively and sustainably. Key themes include:

• Workforce resilience and development
• System improvements
• The role of hapū and iwi
• Indigenous models of care and practice
• The strategic necessity of kaupapa and mātauranga Māori.

Government reinstates Three Strikes sentencing

The Government has reinstated the Three Strikes sentencing regime as of 17 June 2025. The legislation is intended to deter repeat offenders with the threat of progressively longer mandatory terms of imprisonment. The modified regime now includes a strangulation and suffocation offence. Some warnings that were previously given under the former three strikes law from 1 June 2010 to 16 August 2022 can be reactivated. Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland Associate Professor Carrie Leonetti wrote an opinion piece on the repeal of Three Strikes in 2022. For more information see RNZ.

Toi Hau Tāngata | Social Investment Agency (SIA) webinar recordings now available

SIA hosted two webinars in June giving an overview of the newly announced Social Investment Fund. Recordings of the webinars can be found on the SIA website. Q&A sessions were hosted with each webinar and frequently asked questions will be published shortly. More information about the Social Investment Fund can also be found here.

New research on LGBTIQ+ housing instability

New research, Flatting amongst LGBTIQ+ people in Aotearoa New Zealand (2025), has been released by Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka | University of Otago (UoO). For more on this research, read the Spinoff's interview with Brodie Fraser, one of article's authors, New research finds over half of LGBTQI+ flatters experience housing discrimination. Fraser’s co-author Mary Buchanan recently published a related article along with other UoO academics: The importance of housing assistance on reducing youth offending in New Zealand (2025). For more on this, see UoO's press release and RNZ's coverage.

New report from Good Shepherd on women experiencing financial harm

Good Shepherd has released a new report: Issues facing women experiencing harm and hardship (2025). This discusses three strategic focus areas — dignified income, financial wellbeing, and family violence economic harm — and the ways these factors can collectively disadvantage women in Aotearoa.

This Quick Reads covers:

• New report on workforce development for kaimahi Māori in the violence sector
• Government reinstates Three Strikes sentencing
• Social Investment Fund webinar recordings released by SIA
• New research on LGBTIQ+ housing instability
• New report from Good Shepherd on women experiencing financial harm

Vine Quick Reads: 19 June 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Consultation open on legal aid scheme

Te Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice is calling for submissions to inform the triennial review of the national legal aid scheme. The review aims to ensure that legal aid is efficient, sustainable, and accessible. The Ministry of Justice has released a discussion document to assist those making a submission.

Changes to Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill

The government has announced changes to the Crime Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill after recommendations by the Justice Select Committee. Revisions include:

• Lowered threshold for imprisonment from three acts within 12 months to two acts within 24 months
• Broadened definition of stalking to include doxing (publishing of personal information)
• Provision for the destruction of intimate visual recordings within 10 working days
• Provision for the courts to issue Firearms Prohibition Orders against those convicted under the Bill.

It also clarifies stalking as an aggravating factor in sentencing for other offences and reiterates those discharged without conviction can still be subject to restraining orders. Aotearoa Free From Stalking project lead, Leonie Morris, has responded to the announced changes. For more on the changes to the Bill, see our update to our news story, Submissions open for Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill.

New article on the timelines of psychological, physical and sexual intimate partner violence

A new open access article has been published: Timelines of psychological, physical and sexual intimate partner violence among a nationally representative sample of Australian women (2025). The research mapped 815 women’s experiences of violence against significant relationship milestones to highlight common trends. For more, see The Conversation article: ‘He stopped me from talking to male colleagues’: new research shows how domestic violence so often starts with isolation and control.

Reports on gender parity and gender and ethnic diversity in public sector governance

Manatū Wāhine | Ministry for Women released the 2024 stocktake of gender and ethnic diversity on public sector boards and committees (2025), which shows a trending reduction in the proportion of women within public sector governance. Pākehā representation has slightly increased, while Māori representation has slightly decreased. Relatedly, The World Economic Forum have published the Global Gender Gap Report 2025 (2025) which measures the level of gender parity globally across the economy, education, health and survival.

This Quick Reads Covers:

• Consultation open on legal aid scheme
• Changes to Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill
• New article on the timelines of intimate partner violence
• Reports on gender parity and gender and ethnic diversity in public sector governance

Vine Quick Reads: 13 June 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

New oversight report on outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi Māori and their whānau in the Oranga Tamariki system

Independent Children’s Monitor | Aroturuki Tamariki has published Outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi Māori and their whānau in the oranga tamariki system 2023/24 (2025). Multiple versions of the report are available as well as links to media releases from Oranga Tamariki and the Police. This inaugural annual report is a requirement under the Oversight of the Oranga Tamariki System Act. It covers:

• outcome indicators for tamariki and rangatahi Māori currently involved in the oranga tamariki system
• outcome indicators for Māori adults aged 27–30 who were involved in the system as children
• how Oranga Tamariki works with whānau Māori, including through its strategic partnerships
• reports of concern, family group conferences and youth justice intervention.

Mana Mokopuna | Children and Young People’s Commission have issued a media release in response the report. For more, see The Spinoff’s coverage, ‘Falling short’: New oranga tamariki report finds ‘sobering’ outcomes for Māori in care.

New report from Oranga Tamariki: Engaging victims in youth justice family group conferences (FGCs)

Oranga Tamariki have released a new report, Engaging victims in youth justice FGCs: a 2-site analysis of what works (2025), which explores the FGC process. It focuses on the experiences of victims of youth crime and key stakeholders including youth justice coordinators, social workers, and Police youth aid officers. The research aims to:

• understand the barriers victims may face to engage
• identify ideal ways and the right time to engage victims early
• recommend options to improve victim engagement, participation, and satisfaction
• offer insight into the challenges of improving such processes and create valuable data.

Submissions still open for the Regulatory Standards Bill, closing 23 June 2025

The Chair of the Finance and Expenditure Committee is calling for submissions on the Regulatory Standards Bill. The Bill would have wide-reaching effects on all future and existing legislation and the legislature itself. Several resources are available to assist people in making submissions:

• Submission builder to assist individuals and groups to create personalised submissions, created by Hāpai Te Hauora.
• Relevant information and sources on the Bill.
• The Regulatory Standards Bill.

Submissions are due by 1pm, Monday 23 June 2025.

Evidence brief on the role of men’s behaviour change programmes in addressing men’s use of violence

A new evidence brief has been published by ANROWS, The role of men's behaviour change programs in addressing men's use of domestic, family and sexual violence: an evidence brief (2025). This evidence brief summarises literature on men’s behaviour change programmes (MBCPs) and helps build a shared understanding of their role in addressing domestic, family and sexual violence in Australia. To this end, the following questions were considered:

• What is an MBCP?
• What can we expect it to do?
• When do MBCPs work and in what context?
• What can we do better?

New reports on women in prisons in Western Australia

Two related reports have been released providing a profile of women in prison in Western Australia: Profile of Women in Western Australian Prisons 2022/23. Quantitative Report. (unpublished – 2024); and, Profile of Women in Western Australian Prisons 2022/23. Qualitative Report. (unpublished – 2024). For more, see the authors’ article in The Conversation discussing their findings, ‘No support, no housing, no job’ – the vicious cycle pushing more women into prison.

This Quick Reads covers:

• New oversight report on outcomes for Māori within Oranga Tamariki system
• New report from OT: Engaging victims in youth justice family group conferences
• Submissions still open for the Regulatory Standards Bill
• Evidence brief on the role of men’s behaviour change programmes
• New reports on women in prisons in Western Australia

Vine Quick Reads: 9 June 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Opportunity to inform NZ review by United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD)

Individuals and organisations can write submissions to the UN CERD Committee to inform their upcoming review of the New Zealand government’s progress towards eliminating racial discrimination. Te Kāhui Tika Tangata | Human Rights Commission have prepared a guide to making a submission, also called a ‘shadow report’. Submissions will help inform the committee’s review by ensuring they hear directly from those impacted by racism, especially tangata whenua.

Submissions are due 14 July 2025.

Insights report from Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) on men’s intimate partner violence released

A new report, Ten to Men Insights #3 Report: Chapter 1, has been released as part of AIFS’ longitudinal study of boys and men, Ten to Men. This report is the first national estimate of male intimate partner violence perpetration in Australia, surveying a cohort of men and boys between 2013 and 2022. The study found high levels of social support and high levels of paternal affection both reduced the likelihood of men using intimate partner violence.

New guidance on photographing and filming children and young people

Te Mana Mātāpono Matatapu | Privacy Commissioner has released a new resource: Children and young people: photography and filming guidance. It covers legal and best practice requirements around:

• Collecting, using, or sharing images
• Keeping images safe
• Retention and deletion of images
• Photography and filming policies for organisations
• Managing photography and filming by other people

New Zealand Crime and Victimisation Survey (NZCVS) key stories 2024 published

Te Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice has published NZCVS 2024 (Cycle 7) Key Stories, which provides more detail and context for some of Cycle 7’s notable findings. These include:

• Decrease in burglary drove decrease in household crime
• More sexual assaults were reported to Police
• One in six adults reported experiencing discrimination
• Most adults who interact with the criminal justice system report high satisfaction but lower trust and confidence

For media coverage, see RNZ.

New Australian research on tech-based coercive control

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has released a new research report: Track, harass, repeat: Investigating attitudes that normalise tech-based coercive control (2025). It explores attitudes and expectations that could normalise the use of tech-based coercive control in relationships. Quantitative research data was gathered in October 2024, building on the work for the ‘Technology-Facilitated Abuse Scale’ as part of the 2021 National Community Attitudes towards Violence Against Women Survey.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Opportunity to inform NZ review by United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD)
• Insights report from Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) on men’s intimate partner violence released
• New guidance on photographing and filming children and young people
• New Zealand Crime and Victimisation Survey (NZCVS) key stories 2024 published
• New Australian research on tech-based coercive control

Vine Quick Reads: 29 May 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

New report on trans people, autism and healthcare

Gender Minorities Aotearoa have published a new report, Autism & eight: a transgender focused introduction to autism and 8 conditions that commonly co-occur (2025). This resource is designed for autistic transgender people and their healthcare providers. It explores autism, and touches on 8 complex conditions that can co-occur with autism. The content in this report is also presented in the e-Learning course developed by Gender Minorities Aotearoa, Trans 101 for clinicians.

New podcast features victim-survivors discussing their experience of family violence

Are You Okay have produced a podcast focusing on different experiences of family violence, The Insider’s Guide podcast. The podcast features episodes on children’s experience of family violence, violence in takatāpui and rainbow communities, violence in migrant and refugee communities, economic abuse, and surviving family violence. The Insider’s Guide also includes a series of short videos from people working within the family violence sector.

Breaking Silence series share diverse experiences of family violence in Aotearoa

Tagata Pasifika Plus has released the fourth season of Breaking Silence. The aim of Breaking Silences is to raise awareness and challenge harmful attitudes around family violence in Aotearoa. Across 8 episodes viewers will hear from people discussing their personal experiences of violence and its impacts, as well as from people working within the family violence sector. All three previous seasons are also available to view.

This Quick Reads covers:

• New report on trans people, autism and healthcare
• New podcast sharing victim-survivor's experiences of family violence
• New video series sheds light on family violence in Aotearoa

Vine Quick Reads: 20 May 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Inquiry into Oranga Tamariki released by the Office of the Auditor-General

Tumuaki o te Mana Arotake | The Office of the Auditor-General has released Oranga Tamariki: Inquiry into procurement and contract management (2025). This inquiry was undertaken after concerns about contract management were raised with the Auditor-General’s Office in July 2024. The report focusses on the contracting and procurement practices of Oranga Tamariki during the 2024/2025 funding round. It also looked at the reconciliation process for the 2023/2024 period. A summary of the inquiry is available. For more, see RNZ’s coverage, Social services react to damning report into Oranga Tamariki.

Report on young peoples’ exposure to extremely harmful content, released by Classification Office

Te Mana Whakaatu | Classifications Office have published Content that crosses the line: conversations with young people about extremely harmful content online (2025). This consultation report draws on conversations with 10 groups of young people across Aotearoa who had been exposed to extremely harmful material. They shared:

• personal experiences of seeing extremely harmful material;
• how exposure to harmful content is often unintentional, appearing in social media feeds, chat groups, or shared directly by others;
• a range of impacts experienced as a result of being exposed to extremely harmful material;
• the lack of support available to them upon being exposed to harmful content.

UNICEF report: Innocenti Report Card 19: Child Wellbeing at Risk in an Unpredictable World

A new report has been published in the UNICEF Innocenti research series: Report Card 19: Child Wellbeing at Risk in an Unpredictable World (2025). Comparing data from 2018-2022, this report provides a global snapshot of child wellbeing with regards to mental health, physical health, and social, emotional and academic skills. The report situates its findings amidst the compounding crises of COVID, armed conflict and climate change, alongside developments in digital technology and shifting demographic. UNICEF Aotearoa has provided a summary  of the reports implications for Aotearoa. Mana Mokopuna | Children & Young People’s Commission have issued a media release in response.

Department of Internal Affairs release the 2024 Transparency Report: Digital Child Exploitation

Te Tari Taiwhenua | Internal Affairs have released their 2024 Transparency Report: Digital Child Exploitation, which provides an overview of the online child sexual exploitation landscape in Aotearoa. The report shares key data and insights on referral volumes, investigations, the digital child exploitation filtering systems, our international footprint, and prevention and education activities. ECPAT Child Alert, an organisation working to end the sexual exploitation of children in Aotearoa, have responded to the 2024 Transparency report.

Te Puna Aonui launch their Family Violence Training Directory

Te Puna Aonui have launched the Family Violence Training Directory to support the identification of training aligned with the Family Violence Entry to Expert Capability Framework (2022). The Training Directory aims to create a transparent and accessible national overview of family violence training, helping to build and sustain the family violence and sexual violence workforce. For more, read the Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence, Karen Chhour’s, address launching the directory.

Call for inputs by UN Committee on women, girls and enforced disappearances

The United Nations Committee on Enforced Disappearances is seeking input on their General Comment on the enforced disappearances of women and girls. An enforced disappearance is defined as the arrest, detention, abduction, or other deprivation of liberty of someone by the State, or through the support, implicit agreement, or acceptance of the State. The enforced disappearance of women and girls is a form of gender-based violence and has distinct causes and impacts on victims and their families. Submissions are dues 15 July 2025.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Inquiry into Oranga Tamaki released by the Office of the Auditor-General
• Report on young peoples’ exposure to extremely harmful content
• UNICEF Report Card 19: Child Wellbeing at Risk in an Unpredictable World
• 2024 Transparency Report: Digital Child Exploitation
• Te Puna Aonui launch their Family Violence Training Directory
• UN call for inputs on Enforced Disappearances on women, girls and enforced disappearances

Vine Quick Reads: 9 May 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Submissions open to inform design of new Emergency Management Bill

Te Rākau Whakamarumaru | National Emergency Management Agency is consulting on the design of the new Emergency Management Bill, which will replace the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002. The Bill aims to ensure a whole-of-society approach to emergency management, including planning for the diverse needs of those who may face worse outcomes in emergency situations. To assist submissions, Vine has gathered research exploring gender and marginalised communities during emergencies. Submissions are due 5pm, 20 May 2025.

New Whānau Ora commissioning agencies announced

The Government has announced the four new Whānau Ora commissioning agencies:

• North Island, north of Taupō: National Hauora Coalition, Te Tiratū and Ngaa Pou Hauora o Taamaki Makaurau Consortium operating as Rangitāmiro;
• North Island, south of Taupō: Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira;
• South Island: Te Tauraki Limited, a subsidiary of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu;
• Pasifika families nationwide: The Cause Collective, operating as The Tātou Collective.

These will replace the three previous commissioning agencies: Whānau Ora (previously Te Pou Matakana), Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu, and Pasifika Futures. For more, see Te Ao Māori News’ coverage and RNZ’s reporting.

Resources on responding to sextortion in light of new figures shared by Netsafe

Netsafe has reported a 68% increase in sextortion threats in the first three months of 2025. Sextortion is when someone threatens to share a nude image or sexually explicit video of a person unless they pay them or provide more sexual content. Netsafe has noted concerning increases in AI-generated deepfake images, younger victims being targeted, and the rise of organised crime groups. See their guide on what to do if you’re experiencing sextortion, including what can be done to remove images and videos from the internet, whether real or artificially generated.

New Zealand Crime and Victimisation Survey (NZCVS) published report on public perceptions of the justice system

Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice have published Public Perceptions Module (PPM) key results: public perceptions of the justice system (2025). This report shares findings from the PPM, a new addition to the NZCVS, which asks respondents about their trust, confidence and perceptions of fairness and efficacy in the New Zealand justice system. It also asks respondents about issues of concern in Aotearoa and their own neighbourhoods in the last 12 months. For a summary of the key findings, see the Ministry of Justice’s media release.

Ministry for Women releases ‘Free to lead’ social media toolkit for women in the public eye

Manatū Wāhine | Ministry for Women have released their Free to lead toolkit. The toolkit was designed to equip women in the public eye with practical tools and strategies to use against online harm. It contains two practical modules for individuals and employers and a video series featuring seven high-profile women in Aotearoa sharing their experiences navigating the online world. Speaking on the toolkit, Minister for Women, Nicola Grigg, has shared concerns that online abuse could dissuade women from stepping into high-profile leadership and political positions.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Submissions open on design of new Emergency Management Bill
• New Whānau Ora commissioning agencies announced
• Resources on responding to sextortion, new figures shared by Netsafe
• NZCVS published report on public perceptions of the justice system
• ‘Free to lead’ social media toolkit released by Ministry for Women

Vine Quick Reads: 2 May 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

New article on legal challenges in tackling AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM)

Childlight: Global Child Safety Institute have published new open access research: Legal challenges in tackling AI-generated CSAM across the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand: Who is accountable according to the law? (2025). The research was published as part of Searchlight 2025: Who benefits? Shining a light on the business of child sexual exploitation and abuse, which identifies the strengths and weaknesses of different regulatory contexts to address AI-generated CSAM. This research emerges as AI images of child sexual abuse are becoming ‘significantly more realistic’ and prolific, according to the UK-based Internet Watch Foundation. Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs also identified it as an emerging harm in 2024 Transparency Report: Digital Child Exploitation.

Te Puna Aonui partnering with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Manawa Tītī on three violence-related initiatives

Te Puna Aonui have provided details of their partnership with Ngāti Whatua Ōrākei and Manawa Tītī in their recent pānui. Ngāti Whatua Ōrākei, Manawa Tītī and Te Puna Aonui are set to deliver specialist outreach support for high-risk family violence, test a prototype for a nationally consistent risk process, and deliver a local system improvement plan. For more, see RNZ’s coverage of the announcement and Minister Karen Chhour’s media release.

National Pacific Disability Approach released

Whaikaha | Ministry of Disabled People have released the National Pacific Approach – Atoatoali’o (2025). Alternate formats are available. Atoatoali’o was developed with Pacific communities and the wider Pacific disability sector through a series of community talanoa held throughout Aotearoa. Atoatoali’o sets a series of priorities, each with their own objectives and related action points, which will feed into the refresh of the New Zealand Disability Strategy. These priorities include increasing awareness, strengthening leadership and workforces, ensuring access and equity, increasing visibility in cross-government data, and promoting a holistic family-centred approach to enabling good lives.

New review from Australia on indigenous women’s engagement with Family Court in the context of family violence

A new review has been published by the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (CEVAW): First Nations women’s engagement with the family law system in the context of family violence: the evidence base (2025). The review explored how, when, and why First Nations women in Australia who have experienced family violence engage with the family law system, and any barriers to their engagement. For a summary, see the review’s authors discussion of their findings in The Conversation.

This Quick Reads covers:

• New article on law and AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM)
• Te Puna Aonui partnering with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Manawa Tītī on three violence-related initiatives
• National Pacific Disability Approach released
• New review from Australia on indigenous women, Family Court and family violence

Vine Quick Reads: 17 April 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Ministry of Justice has opened the Proceeds of Crime Fund for applications

Te Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice has opened the Proceeds of Crime Fund for new applications. Applications are due 1 May 2025, with a second funding round proposed for October 2025. The purpose of the Fund is to provide a range of targeted interventions that reduce violent crime. Applications must be submitted by one of the named public service or non-public service organisations. However, if your organisation isn’t on this list, you can partner with an eligible agency to submit your proposal. The Fund webpage contains information on how to make an application.

Pharmac proposal to make it easier to access IUD contraceptives, Mirena and Jaydess

Te Pātaka Whaioranga | Pharmac is consulting on a proposal to increase the accessibility of long-acting contraceptives. Consultation closes Friday 25 April 2024. Pharmac are proposing to make Mirena and Jaydess available in clinics, eliminating the need for people to collect them from pharmacies before their appointments. The proposal also seeks to increase the clinic stocks of Jadelle, another form of long-acting reversible contraceptive placed under the skin in the upper arm.

Annual Report on The Child and Youth Strategy/the Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy and the Child Poverty Related Indicators

The Annual report on the Child and Youth Strategy/the Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy and the child poverty related indicators: July 2023 to June 2024 (2025) sets out the progress made towards the outcomes in both strategies. This report also covers progress on the Child Poverty Related Indicators, which measure the broader causes, correlates, and consequences of child poverty. For more information, see RNZ’s story, Annual report finds more NZ kids living in material hardship than last year. Mana Mokopuna | Children and Young People’s Commissioner has also released their response to the report.

New resources on family violence and sexual violence in NZSL

Deaf Aotearoa | Tāngata Turi has partnered with VisAble to create a library of NZSL videos on sexual violence and family violence to combat the lack of information in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) both online and within services. These cover the types of abuse that can be experienced, including coercion and threats, emotional abuse, economic abuse, and sexual abuse, alongside 7 others.

New research on harassment of female politicians in Aotearoa

A new open-access article has been published: Misogyny, racism, and threats to our families: a qualitative study of harassment of female politicians (2025). This qualitative study explores the experiences and impacts of harassment among female Members of Parliament in Aotearoa. Read RNZ’s coverage for a summary of the research findings.

New report on young people’s perception of #MeToo

Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University of Wellington have published #MeToo: A Cultural Shift? Young people, social media and sexual harassment (2025) that explores young people’s perspectives on #MeToo. This report outlines key findings from a three-year qualitative research project which explored ways young people engage with, understand, and respond to sexual harassment social media content.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Ministry of Justice has opened the Proceeds of Crime Fund for applications
• Pharmac proposal to make it easier to access IUD contraceptives
• Annual Report on The Child and Youth Strategy/the Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy and the Child Poverty Related Indicators
• New resources on family violence and sexual violence in NZSL
• New research on harassment of female politicians in Aotearoa
• New report on young people’s perception of #MeToo

Vine Quick Reads: 10 April 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill receive Royal Assent, placement and investment targets removed

The Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill received Royal Assent on 7 April 2025. Section 7AA set out specific duties for the chief executive to recognise and provide a practical commitment to the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi. Read our 3-part part series on the repeal of 7AA. Relatedly, Children’s Minister Karen Chhour has announced that Oranga Tamariki have removed their 58% target for placing children in care with wider family/whānau and their minimum 23% target for the proportion of their investment which are in Māori/Iwi organisations. VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai has issued a media release commenting in response to the repeal of 7AA.

Evaluation of Te Pūtahitanga commissioning model of direct social investment

Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu has released Evaluation of Wave 17 for Te Pūtahitanga (2025). This evaluation, undertaken by Ihi Research, reports on the Wave 17 investment of direct whānau commissioning between July 2023 to June 2024. Commenting on the investment approach, the auhtors highlighted that, “the commissioning approach of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu is unique, achieving social impact by investing directly in initiatives developed by whānau”. In 2024, Te Puni Kōkiri undertook a procurement process to identify, select and engage commissioning agent services for Whānau Ora. It has since been reported that the 3 current commissioning agencies, of which Te Pūtahitanga is one, have been unsuccessful in their bids.

Oranga Tamariki consulting on 2025 Long-Term Insights Briefing

Oranga Tamariki is seeking submissions on their draft 2025 Long-Term Insights Briefing. The Briefing’s focus is, “How can we better prevent, respond to, and enable healing from, child maltreatment between now and 2040?”. This is the second round of consultation and is looking for feedback on the Draft Briefing. The first round was used to decide the Briefing’s topic and method of investigated. The consultation page provides more information on making a submission, including optional guiding questions. The consultation is open to everybody, and submissions must be emailed to LTIB@ot.govt.nz by 5pm 12 May 2025.

Independent review of the Oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, final report released

Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora | Ministry of Social have released the Independent statutory review of the Oranga Tamariki oversight system: final report (2025). The review was undertaken by MartinJenkins and evaluates the effectiveness of the 2 main pieces of legislation that underpin the Oranga Tamariki system in Aotearoa:

• the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022
• the Children and Young People's Commission Act 2022.

A Child Friendly Summary is also available alongside the full Final Report.

Law Commission review of preventive detention and post-sentence orders completed, final report submitted

Te Aka Matua o te Ture | Law Commission submitted its report, Here ora: Preventive measures in a reformed law (2025), to the Minister of Justice and Minister of Corrections to complete its review of preventive detention and post-sentence orders. The Commission concludes that an overhaul of the law governing preventive detention, extended supervision orders and public protection orders is required. The Commission recommends changes to prevent serious sexual and violent reoffending while managing high-risk offenders more humanely.

New research brief on diverse and intersecting masculinities

Learning Network have published Rethinking Masculinities: Understanding diverse and intersecting masculinities to end Gender-Based Violence (GBV) (2025). This research brief explores how masculinity operates along a diverse spectrum shaped by race, disability, sexuality, and other intersecting identities, rather than as a singular concept. It also explores the connection between these masculinities, power and GBV. The Learning Network is a Canadian knowledge mobilisation initiative operating out of the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children at Western University.

New research on sexual violence and intimate partner violence among international students in Australia.

An open access article on violence among international students has recently been published: Experiences of Sexual and Intimate Partner Violence Among Women International Students in Australia (2025). The article draws on data from a national cross-sectional survey of women international students in Australia. The article offers indications of the magnitude and characteristics of sexual violence and intimate partner violence experienced by women international students in Australia. The article also offers insights into the relationship between victimisation and housing insecurity, financial insecurity, poor social support, and younger age.

This Quick Reads covers:

• The repeal of 7AA and the removal of placement and investment targets at OT
• The evaluation of Wave 17 for Te Pūtahitanga
• OT consulting on 2025 Long-Term Insights Briefing
• Review of OT oversight system completed, final report released
• Review of preventive detention and post-sentence orders completed, final report released
• Research brief on diverse and intersecting masculinities
• Research on women international students' experiences of SV and IPV in Australia

Vine Quick Reads: 4 April 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa.

New resource: Using AI Responsibly for Research on Violence Against Women

A new resource on using generative AI (GenAI) for research on violence against women has been jointly published by the Sexual Violence Research Institute (SVRI) and The MERL Tech Initiative (MTI): Using AI Responsibly for Research on Violence Against Women (2025). This guide was written in response to questions raised about the ethical implications, risks, and real-world applications of GenAI. The guide aims to strengthen AI literacy and offer practical advice to help violence researchers engage critically and safely with GenAI. Two of the guide’s authors have also penned a blog post about the new resource.

New research on the removal of aboriginal children from their families in Western Australia

Human Rights Watch (HRW) have published: “All I Know Is I Want Them Home”: Disproportionate Removal of Aboriginal Children from Families in Western Australia (2025). HRW draws on data from the Department of Communities and interview data from Aboriginal families impacted by child removals to examine the circumstances surrounding the removal of Aboriginal children by the state in Western Australia. They found the mother’s experience of family violence and homelessness were often implicated in the state’s decision to remove a child. This was the case often in the absence of an adequate response to the mother’s experience of violence and homelessness.

New research on ‘Officer-involved domestic violence’ in Australia

A new open access article has been published on ‘Officer-involved domestic violence’: “The Fact That He Was a Police Officer Was Probably My Number 1 Challenge”: Victim-Survivor Experiences of Officer-Involved Domestic Violence in Australia (2025). The authors have also provided a summary of their research for The Conversation. Relatedly, the Powerful Perpetrators project in the United Kingdom release a research brief last year on a similar subject: The police and sexual misconduct: a summary of the literature (2024).

This Quick Reads covers:

• New resource on using AI responsibly for research on VAW
• New research on the removal of children from Aboriginal families in Australia
• New research on ‘Officer-involved domestic violence’ in Australia

Vine Quick Reads: 28 March 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past Vine Quick Reads.

Family Violence Risk and Safety Practice Framework released.

Te Puna Aonui’s Family Violence Risk and Safety Practice Framework (2025) has been released. This framework supports the implementation of the Family Violence Act 2018 and benchmarks the organisational and workforce capabilities needed to provide a consistent and integrated response to risk.

Call for experts to aid development of family violence skill standards and micro-credentials

Toitū Te Waiora | Workforce Development Council are calling for submissions from family violence and sexual violence subject matter experts to contribute to the development of new family violence skill standards. The skill standards will provide the foundation for a structured qualification pathway, starting with a micro-credential based on the Family Violence Risk and Safety Practice Framework. This work is supported by Te Puna Aonui. See the recent pānui from Toitū Te Waiora for further information. Submissions are due before 13 April 2025.

New report: Understanding re-victimisation through an intersectional lens (2024)

Te Puna Haumaru | New Zealand Institute for Security and Crime Science have released a new report: Understanding re-victimisation through an intersectional lens (2024). The report examines the socio-demographic characteristics (e.g., gender, age, ethnicity, disability status, sexual identity) of people who have been re-victimised to identify where co-occurrences of characteristics intensify risk of re-victimisation. This report drew from data collected over 5 rounds of the New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey. Associate Professor Lisa Tompson, a member of Te Puna Haumaru, presented on this research.

2025 He Pounga Waihoe Nā ō Mātua Symposium

Te Atawhai o Te Ao | Independent Māori Institute for Environment and Health are calling for abstracts for their 2025 He Pounga Waihoe Nā ō Mātua Symposium. The symposium will explore Māori experiences of intergenerational trauma, recovery and healing. Te Atawhai o Te Ao welcome abstracts from current Master’s and doctoral Māori students, those who have completed their studies, community researchers, whānau, hapū, iwi, service providers and others interested in the theme. Information on the submission process is available online. Submissions are currently open, and presenters will be confirmed 5 May 2025.

Updated official statistics released by Ministry of Justice

Tāhū o Te Ture | Ministry of Justice have released their most recent official statistics on criminal convictions and sentencing for the calendar year ending 31 December 2024. The Ministry’s data tables webpage summarises key trends about people with finalised charges, including children and young people inside and outside of Youth Court. It offers downloadable data tables, including specific tables for sexual offences, family violence offences, and for protection order applications. These data tables contain statistics for the last 10 years. For more on statistics, see our He tatauranga/He Tauanga | Violence Statistics page.

New research from Women’s Refuge on Traumatic Brain Injury and Intimate Partner Violence

The National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges have published a new report: Traumatic brain injury and intimate partner violence in Aotearoa (2025). This report examines the impacts of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) on victims and their experiences of help seeking. It offers insight into how intimate partner violence can result in undiagnosed TBIs and complicate victims’ recoveries, and highlights the need to address intimate partner violence and TBIs jointly. See more from the Safer When, Safer How? project, as well as their work on risk and safety.

Indigenous statistics - new open access book and related article

An open access second edition of Indigenous statistics: from data deficits to data sovereignty (2025) has been released. This edition builds on the first and has expanded theoretically, methodologically, and empirically in response to the significant changes to the global data landscape. Relatedly, University of Waikato’s Te Kotahi Research has published a new research brief: The Māori Data Privacy Framework: How useful is it for hapū? (2025) as part of the Tikanga in Technology project.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Family Violence Risk and Safety Practice Framework released
• Call for experts to aid development of family violence skill standards and micro-credentials
• New report: Understanding re-victimisation through an intersectional lens (2024)
• 2025 He Pounga Waihoe Nā ō Mātua Symposium
• Updated official statistics released by Ministry of Justice
• New research from Women’s Refuge on Traumatic Brain Injury and Intimate Partner Violence
• Indigenous statistics - new open access book and related article

NZFVC Quick Reads: 14 March 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Submissions open for Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work (ANZSW) Journal

The ANZSW journal is calling for submissions on Pacific social work and critical perspectives on technology. Submissions are now open for their Tu Mau edition, which focuses on diverse theoretical, practice, and research contributions to Pacific social work. ANZSW is also calling for submissions with a focus on critical perspectives on technology and social work, including critical perspectives on the application of technology in social work settings such as predictive or generative AI in practice, research, or education. Submissions for both editions are due by 31 May 2025.

Aroturuki Tamariki releases Experiences of Care in Aotearoa 2023/2024

Aroturuki Tamariki | Independent Children’s Monitor has released their annual Experiences of Care in Aotearoa report (2024), which details whether agencies with child custody and care responsibilities are complying with the National Care Standards Regulations. In their media release, Oranga Tamariki have accepted the report’s findings that they are still not meeting the minimum standards of care demanded by law, including that the number of children and young people abused in care is increasing. Mana Mokopuna | Children and Young People’s Commission have also responded.

New research from Australia on the financial impact of domestic violence

The University of Technology Sydney have published a new report, The cost of domestic violence to women’s employment and education (2025), which quantifies the financial impact of domestic violence on Australian women. It also outlines how domestic violence continues to have significant ongoing negative impacts on women’s ability to participate in the workplace.

Cycle 7 resources and results from the New Zealand Crime and Victims (NZCVS) released

Te Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice has released the latest key results for Cycle 7 of the NZCVS (2025). The report uses data gathered from the NZCVS between October 2023 and October 2024 to examine trends in experiences of crime for key demographic groups and offence types. The Ministry of Justice offers an overview of their findings in their media release. The report has also been covered by RNZ: Violent crime victimisation rates steady, not dropping, data shows.

Insights from the 2023 Stats NZ Household Disability Survey

Tatauranga Aotearoa | Stats NZ have released their summary findings from the Household Disability Survey 2023 (2025 ). The 2023 disability statistics provides a picture of disability in Aotearoa, including updated prevalence estimates and the outcomes, experiences, and needs of disabled people. Whaikaha | Ministry if Disabled People have released their response to the new data.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Submissions open for ANZSW Journal
• Aroturuki Tamariki releases Experiences of Care in Aotearoa 2023/2024
• New research on the financial impact of domestic violence
• NZCVS Cycle 7 resources and results released
• Insights from the 2023 Stats NZ Household Disability Survey

NZFVC Quick Reads: 28 February 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Citizens Advice Bureau release new website helping people find their care records

Citizens Advice Bureau - Te Pou Whakawhirinaki o Aotearoa, together with those with lived experience, created Kōnae: My Records Guide. The website is a guide to help people find and access records created about them (or their family or whānau) by government agencies, faith-based organisations, or other organisations involved in decisions about their guardianship or care. Kōnae contains information and resources to help with finding where records might be held (including a map of care facilities), on what support is available, what one’s rights are, and information on the claims and redress system and process. 

Expressions of interest open for working groups developing new New Zealand Disability Strategy

Whaikaha | Ministry of Disabled People are calling for expressions of interest to join 1 of 5 Working Groups being established to develop the outcome areas and actions for the new New Zealand Disability Strategy. Whaikaha are looking for people from the disability community to join these working groups, which may include disabled people, Deaf, tāngata whaikaha Māori, whānau hauā, Turi Māori, Pacific people, and families. The working groups will cover 5 outcome areas:

• Health
• Education
• Employment
• Housing
• Justice

Working Group appointments will be compensated for their time. Applications are due by 6 March 2025 (note, this has been extended from the original date of 3 March 2025).

New research report released explores the relationship between legal consciousness and sexual violence against sex workers

A new research report was released, Voicing consent: sex workers, sexual violations and legal consciousness in cross-national contexts (2025). The international research project provides a comparative, intersectional examination of sexual violence against sex workers. The authors explore how the interactions between legal consciousness, legal norms, and legal practices affects the experiences and impacts of sexual violence against sex workers. The report compares 2023 survey and interview data collected across four different legal environments including legalisation (Nevada, USA), criminalisation (Northern Ireland), decriminalisation (New Zealand) and partial criminalisation (UK).

New violence related reports out of Australia

Two new Australian National Survey reports have been released: National Survey of LGBTIQA+SB Experiences of Sexual Violence – Report 1. Prevalence, attitudes and lifetime experiences (2024); and Report 2. Impact, help-seeking and bystander intervention (2024). The reports were produced by the Gendered Violence Research Network at University of New South Wales. The reports cover prevalence, social norms, attitudes, beliefs, bystander actions and help-seeking behaviours and aim to inform LGBTIQA+ people and Sistergirls and Brotherboys (LGBTIQA+SB) sexual violence prevention and service delivery. Specific measures were taken to encourage the participation of First Nations LGBTIQA+SB, particularly those living in rural and remote communities.

Salvation Army 2025 State of the Nation report

The Salvation Army Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit have published their Sate of the nation 2025: kai, kāinga, whānau | the basics - food, a home, family (2025). The report takes a national level view of the wellbeing of Aotearoa and how they are trending by looking at indicative measures from publicly available data sources in several areas: children and youth, work and incomes, housing, crime and punishment (including family violence), and social hazards.

This Quick Reads covers:

• CABNZ release online guide to accessing care records
• EOI's open for Disability Strategy working groups
• New research report on sexual violence against sex workers
• New violence related reports out of Australia
• Salvation Army State of the Nation 2025

NZFVC Quick Reads: 7 February 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Archives New Zealand’s consultation on disposal rules for care records.

Te Rua Mahara o te Kawanatanga | Archives New Zealand (Archives NZ) is seeking feedback from people who have experienced care as part of their review of the disposal rules for care records. Disposal rules dictate how long care records should be kept and what should happen to them afterwards. Archives NZ is looking for guidance on 2 questions:

1. What types of information should be kept? How long should it be kept, and what should happen to it afterwards?
2. Are there some types of information that should not be kept after a certain length of time? What are they, and for how long should they be kept? How should we manage the risk of not keeping them?

Disposal rules will apply to both the records of individuals who have been in care and of care organisations. More information on the consultation is available on the consultation page. Submissions close 15 February 2025.

Workforce Futures Fund applications opening

Tahua Rāngaimahi Anamata | Workforce Futures Fund will be open for applications from 10 February to 16 March 2025. The fund has $15 million to distribute over 3 years across eight sectors with the aim of benefiting the workforces within these sectors. The eligible sectors include social services, youth work, mental health and addiction support, disability support, and aged support. Information on what will and will not be funded is available alongside details on the questions likely to be asked of applicants. Organisations can discuss their proposals prior to submitting by emailing: admin@workforcefuturesfund.nz.

Research and webinar on domestic violence disclosure schemes

Te Puna Haumaru | New Zealand Institute for Security and Crime Science has released the recording of their webinar with Dr Katerina Hadjimatheou from the University of Essex. In this webinar, Dr Katerina Hadjimatheou discusses their ongoing research into international domestic violence disclosure schemes (DVDS), sharing her findings from the United Kingdom and South Australia, as well as her emerging findings on the Family Violence Information Disclosure Scheme in Aotearoa, analysis of which is currently underway. Dr Hadjimatheou has previously published an open-access article on the DVDS, An international review and normative examination of the collateral consequences of criminal record disclosures for domestic abuse (2023).

Recent research from Australia on workplace sexual harassment.

Our Watch, an Australian organisation for the primary prevention of violence against women, has reported on findings from their recent survey which included questions related to sexual harassment in the workplace. Our Watch’s news story covered men and women’s attitudes towards sexual harassment and how it factors into their employment choices. It also shares figures on workplace leaders’ understandings of workplace sexual harassment and their obligations to address it. In a recent related piece of research, ANROWS have published their report, #SpeakingOut@Work: Sexual harassment of LGBTQ young people in the workplace and workplace training (2024).

This Quick Reads covers:

• Archives NZ consultation on disposal rules for care records
• Workforce Futures Fund applications opening
• Research and webinar on domestic violence disclosure schemes
• Recent research from Australia on workplace sexual harassment

NZFVC Quick Reads: 31 January 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Government responded to final report of Law Commission review of evidence law

The Government has responded to Te Arotake Tuatoru I te Evidence Act 2006 | The Third Review of the Evidence Act 2006, a report published by Te Aka Matua o te Ture | Law Commission. The report touched on several issues relevant to the family violence and sexual violence sectors. An overview of theses issue can be seen in our news story on the public consultation for the report. In their response, the Government acknowledged the report but made no commitments to address the substantive recommendations made therein. They cited the need for more policy work on this complex area of law and the need to balance the resourcing of such work against the Government’s other priorities. 

Evidence briefs on sexual violence perpetrated by high status/high public trust professionals

The Powerful Perpetrators project has published 7 evidence briefs on sexual violence committed by high status/high public trust professionals. Each evidence brief addresses a particular profession, including doctors, legal professionals, the military, police, politicians, religious leaders and general professionals. The project is based at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom. It examines sexual misconduct and abuse perpetrated by these professionals and the regulatory and administrative justice mechanisms used to investigate and sanction their behaviour.

New NETSAFE report: AI and Online Safety - Emerging Risks and Opportunities

Netsafe have published their report, AI and Online Safety – Emerging Risks and Opportunities (2024). It aims to analyse and provide insights into the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on online safety in several areas, including child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSAM), extremism, hate and discrimination, and cyberbullying and harassment, acknowledging that women, children and minority groups were found to have been disproportionately impacted by AI-facilitated harm. The report also seeks to identify key trends challenges, and strategies for addressing online harms, including AI-facilitated issues such as deepfakes.

Maranga Mai release response to Treaty Principles Bill, Tuku Kōrero mō te Pire Takahi Tiriti

Maranga Mai, the working group towards a People’s Action Plan Against Racism in Aotearoa, has released their response to the Treaty Principles Bill, Tuku Kōrero mō te Pire Takahi Tiriti (2025). Maranga Mai were appointed by the National Iwi Chairs’ Forum. In their response they provide a definition of racism and outline the racial dimensions of the Treaty Principles Bill as well as setting several expectations for the Government’s response to this Bill.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Government response to Law Commissions 3rd Evidence Review
• UK evidence briefs on high status/high public trust perpetrators
• New NETSAFE report on AI and online safety
• Maranga Mai release response to Treaty Principles Bill

NZFVC Quick Reads: 24 January 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

New resource for positive online interventions to combat online extremism in Aotearoa

The Institute for Strategic Dialogue has released Positive Online Interventions Playbook: Innovating Responses to a Shifting Online Extremist Landscape in New Zealand (2024). This playbook was developed in consultation with civil society organisation and communities in Aotearoa. The playbook provides a framework intended to be adapted to the local context within which interventions are being delivered. The playbook features an overview of the key trends in the contemporary threat environment and discusses their implication for designing interventions before looking at current and emergent interventions and ends by outlining the practical considerations for communities and organisations pursuing this work.

New report on ‘cold violence’ in Aotearoa’s Chinese community

Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University have launched a new report, Cultural understandings of abuse of older people: Perspectives from the Chinese community (2024). The report explores a form of elder abuse known as ‘cold violence’ within the Chinese community in Aotearoa, which is a form of emotional abuse that occurs within care relationships. The report explores how the withdrawal of emotional closeness is profoundly destabilising for older Chinese people in the Aotearoa context. It also offers practical recommendations to support the development of culturally responsible service provision and prevention for the abuse of older people. 

MSD launch Te Hao Rangahau, a new online research database

Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora | Ministry of Social Development (MSD) have launched Te Hao Rangahau, a public online database developed to support the research needs of people working on Waitangi Tribunal Kaupapa Inquiries. It is a searchable database of relevant documents written or commissioned by MSD (or previous departments, eg, Social Policy, WINZ, DSW). More information on using the database is available.

VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai podcast series

VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai has launched Whakarongo, a six-episode podcast series, spotlighting care-experienced rangatahi and young people and their stories to raise awareness about the 6 promises made to children in care under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The podcast also features insights from experts explaining why the system functions as it does. More information on the podcast can be found in VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai’s media release. The podcast’s host, Sydney-Anne Martin, who experienced faith-based care, spoke about the podcast with Waatea News.

New report - Ethnic Evidence: Increasing the visibility and value of New Zealand's diversity

Te Tari Mātāwaka | Ministry for Ethnic Communities has released Ethnic evidence: increasing the visibility and value of New Zealand's diversity (2024). The Ethnic Evidence report brings together in one place evidence on how Ethnic Communities are doing in New Zealand. The report includes a section on the experience of family violence and sexual violence within ethnic communities alongside data on other socio-economic indicators. 

This Quick Reads covers:

• New resource for positive online interventions against online extremism
• New report on ‘cold violence’ in Aotearoa’s Chinese community
• MSD launch Te Hao Rangahau, a new online research database
• VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai podcast series
• New report highlighting evidence on ethnic communities in Aotearoa

NZFVC Quick Reads: 17 January 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Consultation on Arms Act rewrite

Te Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice is inviting public submission to assist in their systematic rewrite of the Arms Act which, once complete, will be presented to parliament as a bill for consideration. The rewrite is one component of the government's wider work on firearms reform. The Ministry has provided a discussion document, alongside a summary version in multiple languages, which divides the Act up into 7 themes and provides guiding questions for each of these. Submissions can be made by online survey, by email, or by post and will remain open until 28 February 2025.

Launch of Te Aorerekura Second Action Plan 2025 - 2030

Te Puna Aonui (TPA) has published the second action plan for Te Aorerekura, Action Plan 2025 - 2030. Breaking the cycle (2024). The new action plan sets out 7 priorities for the government. Three of these priorities have been highlighted as the focus of the first 2 years for TPA agencies:

• “Investing and commissioning well”, adopting a social investment approach;
• “Keeping people safe”, with a focus on improving multi-agency responses for those at the greatest risk of serious injury or death; and
• “Stopping violence”, with a stronger focus on the people using violence.

A summary text of the Second Action Plan is also available on the Action Plan’s webpage. You can also read the Te Aorerekura: Closing report for Action Plan 1.0 (2024).

New report on current state of Multi-Agency Responses to violence

Te Puna Aonui (TPA) has published Understanding the current state of family violence: multi-agency responses (2024). The report gathered information from multi-agency response sites across Aotearoa with the purpose of establishing a baseline picture of the current state of operations; it is not a research project, evaluation or review. The decision was made to limit data collection to SAM (Safety Assessment Meeting) tables housed within the NZ Police, or their equivalents. SAM tables do not respond to cases of sexual assault or child abuse. The report highlights 4 key insight areas:

• Sites have developed locally with little national support
• National consistency and local innovation
• Working with Māori
• Value in and outside of meetings

The report also highlights several areas where further work on national consistency is needed, as well as areas of local innovation. TPA have also released a dashboard for data contained in the report.

Te Aorerekura: Outcomes and Measurement Framework - Baseline Report

Te Puna Aonui (TPA) has published Te Aorerekura Outcomes and Measurement Framework : insights summary of family violence and sexual violence over time in Aotearoa, Baseline report, Data tables (2024). This is the first Outcomes and Measurement Framework report for Te Aorerekura and provides a baseline against which future progress can be assessed. The Baseline Report also contains an insights summary of sexual violence and family violence over time in Aotearoa and includes full data tables.

New resource on visa support for migrant victims from Women’s Refuge

Women’s Refuge has published a new resource, Safety and Family Violence: Visa support for migrant victims (2024). The resource focuses on how Refuge can best support migrant victims of family violence who are temporary visa holders. It includes information on what is needed to effectively support migrant women seeking safety alongside information on what abuse towards migrant women on temporary visas might look like. This resource was released as part of Refuge’s Family Violence Risk and Safety Series. For more insights about these issues watch our 2 webinars on the rights and meeds of migrant victim-survivors, part 1 and part 2.

ERO releases research on relationships and sexuality education

The Education Review Office (ERO) has published Let’s talk about it: Review of relationships and sexuality education (2024). A summary report is also available. In their media release, ERO shared that they found "too much inconsistency in relationships and sexuality education[RSE].” Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa responded to the report, welcoming its findings and recommendations. The Government has welcomed the ERO report and have announced that Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education will be developing a new RSE curriculum, with a draft available in the beginning of 2025 and a consultation opening later in the year.

Keeping safe, feeling safe: Easy read reporting form from People First

People First NZ have created an Easy Read incident reporting form to support people with intellectual disabilities to report complaints or abuse. The reporting form allows people with intellectual disabilities to report things that they have been victim to and things they have witnessed. This forms part of People First's Easy Read resource library, which provides a wide range of documents to support people with intellectual disabilities. People First NZ is a Disabled People’s Organisation run by and for people with learning disabilities.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Consultation on Arms Act rewrite
• Launch of Te Aorerekura Second Action Plan
• New report on current state of Multi-Agency Responses to violence
• Te Aorerekura: Outcomes and Measurement Framework - Baseline Report
• New resource on visa support for migrant victims
• ERO releases research on relationships and sexuality education
• New Easy Read reporting form from People First NZ

NZFVC Quick Reads: 18 December 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Consultation open on stalking legislation bill

The Justice Committee is calling for public submissions on the Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Bill. The Bill proposes to:

• create a stalking and harassment offence in the Crimes Act 1961
• introduce new aggravating factors that recognise the unique circumstances associated with stalking and breaching a restraining order in the Sentencing Act 2002
• expand the definition of psychological abuse to include stalking in the Family Violence Act 2018
• prevent self-represented defendants charged with the new offence from being able to personally cross-examine alleged victims.

Some have criticised the anti-Stalking law as weak and lacking resources. Submissions close 13 February 2025.

ACC launches new Sensitive Claims Service

ACC have launched their Sensitive Claims Service, making several changes to the way they process and respond to sensitive claims. The new service was an outcome of ACC’s review of their Integrated Services for Sensitive Claims (ISSC) which began in late 2021. The Sensitive Claims Service replaces the ISSC and differs from it in several important ways. These key differences are:

• A new streamlined assessment process to access care with 2 assessment pathways based on need
• A movement away from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more holistic model to the creation of recovery plans
• An increase in support available to people who have completed their recovery goals
• More effective tools to measure progress and outcomes.

These changes came into effect 1 December 2024. Training materials for suppliers and providers of the new Sensitive Claims Service contract are available online. 

Government announces new Child Protection Investigation Unit independent of OT

The Government has announced the establishment of the Child Protection Investigation Unit. This Unit will be independent of Oranga Tamariki (OT) and will respond to serious concerns and complaints made about the state’s provision of care to a child. The Unit’s objectives are to:

• Conduct rigorous and transparent investigations into cases where the care provided to a child by the state has caused harm
• Identify systemic failures to reform to the systems and practices of OT
• Provide a voice for survivors by working with the Crown Response Office – ensuring the experiences of survivors inform ongoing improvements in care standards
• Promote accountability at all levels of the care system

The Unit is intended to be operational at the beginning of 2025. Mana MokoPuna | Children and Young People’s Commission alongside the other OT oversight agencies have welcomed the establishment of the new Unit.

Criminal Jury Trials Bench Book for Aotearoa published by Institute of Judicial Studies

Te Kura Kaiwhakawā | The Institute of Judicial Studies have published the Criminal Jury Trials Bench Book. This Bench Book provides guidance and tools for criminal trial judges in their preparation for and conduct of criminal jury trials. The Bench Book contains sections relevant to violent and sexual offences. It also contains information on evidence-informed direction judges can give to jurors to counter myths and misconceptions about the behaviour and responses of victims and offenders in sexual violence cases.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Consultation on stalking legislation bill
• ACC launches new Sensitive Claims Service
• New Child Protection Investigation Unit established
• Criminal Jury Trials Bench Book for Aotearoa now published

NZFVC Quick Reads: 11 December 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Inspectorate report on young people in prison

Te Tari Tirohia | Office of Inspectorate has released Young people and young adults in Corrections’ custody: thematic report (2024). The report examines how the Department of Corrections | Ara Poutama manages people aged under 25 in prison and how they can be helped to stop offending and safely return home. The report makes 26 recommendations which have all been accepted in principle by Corrections. The first and overarching recommendation is that Corrections “develop a Plan for under 25-year-olds, that responds to and appropriately resources the unique needs, challenges and opportunities for young people and young adults in prison.”

Ombudsman’s opinion on the Ministry of Social Development’s processes for considering claims of abuse in care

The Chief Ombudsman, Peter Boshier, has released his final opinion on Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora | Ministry of Social Development’s processes for considering claims of abuse in care. The Ombudsman started investigating this issue after they received a complaint made against the Ministry of Social Development by law firm Cooper Legal, which represents more than 1,000 claimants. The Ombudsman’s media release provides an overview of the final opinion and shares the finding that, “the rates of compensation are arbitrary and unreasonable.” The Ombudsman acknowledged that Government is working on a new redress system in light of recommendations made by the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry but believes improvements could still be made to the existing system in the interim.

New report on femicide published by the UN

UN Women and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime have jointly published Femicides in 2023: Global estimates of intimate partner/family member femicide (2024). The report found that in 2023, approximately 51,100 women and girls were killed by an intimate partner or a family member, amounting to 60% of global femicides. UN Women’s media release provides an overview of the report’s findings.

Factsheet on statistics of non-fatal strangulation and suffocation in Aotearoa released by the Ministry of Justice

Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice have released Non-fatal strangulation/suffocation in New Zealand. This factsheet brings together existing evidence on the scale of non-fatal strangulation/suffocation (NFSS) in Aotearoa. It supplements this data with recent population-based surveys in Australia which included standalone questions about NFSS, a feature not present in the recent population-level surveys undertaken in Aotearoa. 

New research report on women’s experience of homelessness

The Coalition to End Women’s Homelessness partnered with Ihi Research and Taylor Fry to produce Ngā Ara ki te Kāinga: Understanding barriers and solutions to women’s homelessness in Aotearoa (2024). This research included interviews with women impacted by homelessness and with kaimahi who work with women experiencing homelessness. The research also included analysis of Census data from 2018 and 2023. The Coalition provide a summary in their media release. Newsroom covered the report in Housing regime makes homeless women invisible.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Inspectorate report on young people in prison
• Ombudsman’s opinion on the MSD processes for considering claims of abuse in care
• New report on femicide published by the UN
• Factsheet on statistics of non-fatal strangulation and suffocation in Aotearoa
• New research report on women’s experience of homelessness

NZFVC Quick Reads: 5 December 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Consultation on amendment papers related to Victims of Sexual Violence legislation

Public submissions are now being sought for Amendment Papers 215 and 216 on the Victims of Sexual Violence (Strengthening Legal Protections) Legislation Bill. These amendment papers relate to the issuing of name suppression orders for victims and convicted perpetrators of sexual violence by the Courts. The Beehive media release provides a summary of the proposed changes set out in the 2 amendment papers. Submissions close Thursday 19 December 2024.

Ministry for Women consulting on 2025 Long-term Insights Briefing

Manatū Wāhine | Ministry for Women are consulting on their 2025 Long-term Insights Briefing. Their proposed topic is “Free to lead: tackling the effects of online harm on the pipeline of future women leaders”. The Ministry will consider the effect online harm might have on women’s participation in public-facing leadership roles across a 15-year timespan alongside the drivers of the recent growth in online harm directed at women and girls. A consultation document and a list of further reading has been made available on the consultation page. Submissions can be made online and close Friday 20 December 2024.

Ministry for Women invite NGO applications for delegation to the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69).

Manatū Wāhine | Ministry for Women are inviting applications to join the New Zealand Government Delegation to CSW69 as the NGO delegate. Applications can be made by individuals, academics, and/or representatives of NGOs. The NGO delegate’s duties include advising the Delegation from an NGO perspective and acting as a liaison between Aotearoa based NGOs and the Delegation. Applications close Friday 13 December 2024.

Shama initiative invites South Asian youth in Tāmaki Makaurau to help prevent violence

Shama Ethnic Women’s Trust have announced an opportunity for South Asian youth in Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland. Shama are looking for South Asian youth aged 14-17 to co-design a programme to address challenges faced by these youth in their communities. To take part, complete the online signup form.

West Auckland Together report on social service sector funding cuts

West Auckland Together have published their Funding Cuts Survey Results (2024). The report, which surveyed 27 community organisations in west Auckland, found a combined total of $3.2 million of funding cuts among those surveyed with an average of $134,525.50 per organisation. The Post covered the report in Kids in prison, families at risk: The impact of deep social service cuts.

New video series explores family violence as a critical health issue

A new 5-part video series exploring family violence as a critical health issue has been released. The series includes an introductory discussion on why family violence should be considered a health issue, followed by interviews on the topic with Professor Janet Fanslow, Professor Denise Wilson, Honorary Associate Professor Patrick Kelly, and Professor Ashley Bloomfield.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Consultation on sexual violence related amendment papers
• Ministry for Women consulting on 2025 Long-term Insights Brief
• Applications for NGO delegate to CSW69
• Shama initiative for South Asian youth
• Report on funding cuts to community in West Auckland
• New video series exploring family violence as a critical health issue

NZFVC Quick Reads: 3 December 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Three new research briefs on risk published by Women’s Refuge

Women’s Refuge have published 3 new briefs from their Safer When, Safer How research exploring family violence risk and safety:

• Part 1: Refuge and ‘Risk’ (2024);
• Part 2: Asking about risk (2024); and
• Part 3: Acting on risk information (2024).

These build on their previous 2 briefs, Family violence and technology (2024) and Family violence and suicide (2024), and their analysis on What Refuge risk data tells us about the spread of family violence in clients’ live (2024).

New report from Gender Minorities Aotearoa, As If I Were a Human Being (2024)

Gender Minorities Aotearoa (GMA), a national transgender organisation, has published a new report: As If I Were a Human Being: Sexual violence, family violence and transgender people: a literature review/meta-analysis (2024). GMA reviewed 45 resources from Aotearoa and 57 international resources looking at their relevance to transgender people.

New online family violence training from ANZASW 

Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers | Te Rōpū Tauwhiro i Aotearoa (ANZASW) have been added to our list of training providers. They offer free online family violence training to anyone working with family or whānau impacted by violence. Applications are not restricted to ANZASW members. The training consists of 2 self-directed e-learning courses: Dynamics of family violence and Risk awareness and response. The training includes modules on Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the impacts of colonisation and racism. The training was developed by ANZASW with funding from Te Puna Aonui and support from an expert advisory rōpū.

New report from Mana Mokopuna, “A place to talk peacefully” (2024)

Mana Mokpuna | Children and Young People’s Commission have published a new report: “A place to talk peacefully”: Mokopuna voices on healing from family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa (2024). The report shares the voices of children and young people on what helped and hindered them when accessing support after experiencing family violence and sexual violence. Mana Mokopuna have also published a report on what children and young people said they needed to live a good life: “You need to get in early, as soon as you see people struggling”: Understanding the life-course journey (2024).

New Child and Youth Strategy 2024-2027

The Government has released The Child and Youth Strategy 2024-2027 (2024). The Strategy provides a picture of what the Government is currently doing to improve the wellbeing of children and young people, what new actions they plan to undertake, and the measures they will use to track progress. The Strategy also outlines the Social Investment approach the Government plans to take.

This Quick Reads covers:

• New research on risk published by Women's Refuge
• New report on violence and transgender people from Gender Minorities Aotearoa
• New online family violence training from ANZASW
• New report from Mana Mokopuna
• New Child and Youth Strategy 2024-2027

NZFVC Quick Reads: 26 November 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Submissions open for Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Amendment Bill

The Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee is calling for submissions on the Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Amendment Bill. The Bill would establish a young serious offender (YSO) declaration and a new military-style academy order in the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989. The YSO declaration would unlock additional powers for Police and the Youth Court. The military-style academy order would provide a new sentencing response for Youth Courts for YSOs. These orders would detain eligible young people within youth justice residences, would order them to participate in a military-style academy programme, and would include a delegable detention authority for the use of reasonable physical force by the chief executive of Oranga Tamariki. The Bill can be read online. Submissions are due 9 January 2024.

ECPAT Youth Engagement Programme

ECPAT Child Alert are piloting a youth engagement programme with groups of young people who have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing, trafficking or sexual exploitation. It provides an opportunity for them to learn, grow and share; to access support they might need; and to engage in youth-led campaigning and future advocacy around child sexual exploitation. ECPAT’s November 2024 newsletter contains more information on the programme. Those working with young people who would like their organisation to join the wait list for this programme can contact EPCAT at engagement.facilitator@ecpat.org.nz. 

New report, Effective practice in violence prevention education with boys and young men (2024)

A new report has been published by Queensland University of Technology: Effective practice in violence prevention education with boys and young men (2024). This report was authored by Michael Flood and examines violence prevention education with boys and young men. Exploring how best to work with boys and young men in classrooms and other face-to-face settings, it identifies six standards for best practice in this work. 

New data summary, Experience of family violence among people who suicided, Victoria 2009-2016 (2024)

A new data summary from Australia has been released: Experience of family violence among people who suicided, Victoria 2009-2016 (2024). The data summary was released by the Coroner’s Court of Victoria and provides an account of the experiences of family violence among people who have died by suicide. For an overview of the data summary, see The Conversation’s article, New data reveals rates of family violence among those who died by suicide.

New report on childhood sexual violence

Together for Girls published a new report, Break the Record: Facts, figures, and solutions to break the world’s record of inaction against childhood sexual violence (2024). This report provides global estimates on the prevalence of sexual violence against children. It also contains information on abuse occurring in schools and in online spaces, information on the health effects of abuse, and information on potential actions to address sexual violence against children. 

This Quick Reads covers:

• Submissions for Oranga Tamariki (Responding to Serious Youth Offending) Amendment Bill
• ECPAT's Youth Engagement Programme
• New report on violence prevention education with boys and young men
• New data summary on FV experiences and suicide
• New global report on sexual violence against children

NZFVC Quick Reads: 22 November 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads. 

Submissions open on Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Bill

The Social Services and Community Committee are calling for submissions on the Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Bill. The Bill aims to improve safety and wellbeing for children, young people, and adults in care. Amendments would be made to the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989, the Children’s Act 2014, the Crimes Act 1961, and Public Records Act 2005. The Bill is available to be read online. Submissions are due Wednesday 11 December 2024.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and 16 Days of Activism and White Ribbon Day 2024

Monday 25 November 2024 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The United Nations have announced this year’s theme as, “Every 10 Minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women”. This day also marks White Ribbon Day 2024 in Aotearoa, a day dedicated to ending men’s violence against women. A list of participating events has been compiled by the White Ribbon organisation. ACC have also organised a webinar to mark the day, Primary prevention in action with Dear Em - HELP Auckland.

New reports on abuse of older people

Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora | Ministry of Social Development commissioned 2 reports on the abuse of older people (AOP) which have now been released: Abuse of older people in Aotearoa New Zealand: An examination of potential data sources (2023) and Review of screening and assessment tools for abuse of older people (2024). The New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse held a symposium on AOP in September 2024.  Recordings of the presentations, copies of slideshows, and links to related resources can be found on the symposium’s webpage.

Rangatahi Well 

Rangatahi Well is a website designed to support the wellbeing of young people by sharing health and wellbeing information with them as well as with those working alongside them. Rangitahi Well have compiled searchable lists of informational resources and services for young people covering a wide range of topics from general worries to specific challenges. Users can also curate a syllabus of resources of by adding them to their Rangatahi Wellbeing Kete.

Pay Gap Calculator toolkit launched

Manatū Wāhine | Ministry for Women have launched the Gender Pay Gap toolkit. In a media release, the Minister for Women announced that the voluntary toolkit aims to encourage employers to take action against the 8.2% gender pay gap that exists in Aotearoa. The toolkit includes:

• A pay gap calculator.
• A downloadable action plan, tailored to individual organisations.
• Guidance material to support employers throughout the process.

The Pay Gap Calculator uses a common methodology developed in consultation with organisations and business leaders.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Submissions on Responding to Abuse in Care Legislation Amendment Bill
• White Ribbon Day 2024 and other international campaigns
• New reports on abuse of older people
• Rangatahi Well
• Pay Gap Calculator toolkit

NZFVC Quick Reads: 14 November 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Come join our team! NZFVC seeks new Policy Lead

The New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse is seeking a new Policy lead. This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution towards eliminating sexual violence and family violence in Aotearoa New Zealand. Further information and the job description are available on Seek. The closing date for applications is Sunday 24 November 2024. Note we may interview prior to the close date.

The Waitangi Tribunal has released Part 2 of their interim report on the Treaty Principles Bill

The Waitangi Tribunal has released Ngā Mātāpono/The Principles: Part II of the Interim Report of the Tomokia Ngā Tatau o Matangireia – The Constitutional Kaupapa Inquiry Panel on The Crown’s Treaty Principles Bill and Treaty Clause Review Policies in pre-publication format (2024). Since then, the Treaty Principles Bill has been introduced to Parliament. The Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill is now available to be read in its entirety. In response to the Bill’s introduction, and in advance of Parliament’s call for submissions, Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission has released its submission against the Treaty Principles Bill. 

Research using NZCVS data examines violence against LGTBQ+

The New Zealand Policy Research Institute has published New Zealand Crime and Victims Research: The burden of crime victimisation among the LGBTQ+ population in Aotearoa (2024). The researchers summarise their findings in New data on violence against LGBTQ+ people makes ‘grim reading’ – and undermines NZ’s inclusive reputation. See also our previous coverage of New research and reports about violence affecting LGBTTQIA+ people, which included a factsheet on the experience of crime by sexual orientation using 2018-2019 data from the NZCVS.

Submissions open on Evidence (Giving Evidence of Family Violence) Amendment Bill

The Justice Committee is calling for public submissions on the Evidence (Giving Evidence of Family Violence) Amendment Bill. This Bill aims to extend the range of protections for parties and witnesses giving evidence of sexual assaults or family harm in the Family Court to mirror those available in criminal proceedings. This Bill would make it so that those giving evidence of sexual violence or Family violence in Family Court can do so in one or more of the following ways:

• by a video record made before the hearing
• while in the courtroom but unable to see one or more other parties or witnesses about whom the evidence relates
• from an appropriate place outside the courtroom

Submissions close Thursday 19 December 2024.

Submission open on Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Bill

The Social Services and Community Committee is calling for public submissions on the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Bill after it passed its first reading in Parliament. This Bill would make structural changes to the Independent Children’s Monitor and the Children and Young People’s Commission, including to:

• make the Independent Children’s Monitor an independent Crown entity
• disestablish the board model of the Children and Young People’s Commission and revert it to an independent Crown entity with a single Children’s Commissioner
• provide for consequential and transitional arrangements for the Monitor and Commission to enable a transition of functions.

The Terms of reference for Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System have also been released setting out how the Ombudsman, the Aroturuki Tamariki, and Mana Mokopuna will work together. Submissions on the Bill close Sunday 8 December 2024.

Social Worker Registration Board Employer Survey 2024

The Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) are conducting a survey for employers of social workers. The SWRB are seeking input from employers to help them understand the challenges and opportunities in the social worker workforce. The survey will remain open until Friday 15 November 2024.

Submissions open on Policing (Police Vetting) Amendment Bill

The Justice Committee is calling for public submissions on the Policing (Police Vetting) Amendment Bill. This Bill aims to provide legal direction and a clear and consistent policy framework for Police and users of the Police vetting service. The Bill aims to do this by establishing a statutory framework that would: 

• set out who can request a Police vet
• require a Police vet to be made with the consent of the individual who is the subject of the request
• set out the information that may be disclosed in a Police vet.

The Bill also aims to extend the current Police vetting service by enabling Police to provide updates on a Police vet if certain conditions are met, which include obtaining the consent of the vetted person. Submissions close Thursday 19 December 2024.

This Quick Reads covers:

• NZFVC seeks new Policy Lead
• Waitangi Tribunal releases second report on Treaty Principles Bill
• NZCVS research on violence against LGBTQ+
• Submissions on Evidence (Giving Evidence of Family Violence) Amendment Bill
• Submissions on Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Legislation Amendment Bill
• SWRB Employer Survey 2024
• Submissions on Policing (Police Vetting) Amendment Bill

NZFVC Quick Reads: 11 November 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

New report published on Chinese cultural understandings of abuse of older people

A new report has been published, Cultural understandings of abuse of older people: Perspectives from the Chinese community (2024). This research was funded by the Ageing Well National Science Challenge and involved 34 individual and group interviews conducted with older Chinese adults, family carers, and practitioners.

Survey on future disability support services

The Disability Support Services Taskforce has released a survey asking how support services should best be provided in the future. There are three main question areas:  

• overall disability support services 
• needs assessments and the allocation of support 
• flexible funding and eligibility and what funding can be used for.

The survey can be completed online. Alternative formats are available. The survey will remain open until Friday 22 November 2024.

Understanding Policing Delivery phase two research published

The Understanding Policing Delivery (UPD) Independent Panel and the Police have released Kia Tika Ai, Kia Tōkeke Ai: Make Fair and Just Decisions (2024), the report from the second phase of the UPD research. This report employed a qualitative approach and provided insights into how the inequities highlighted by Phase 1 are experienced by different communities and Police, including their impacts and what would make a difference. As part of this research, UPD researchers engaged with: 

• tāngata whaikaha;
• D/deaf and disabled people;
• wāhine Māori who experience family harm;
• people who have experienced significant mental distress;
• Takatāpui and members of the rainbow community;
• gang whānau; and
• some Police sites of innovation. 

The UPD research team stated that they deliberately focused on gathering voices not typically heard. Police issued a media release summarising the report’s findings and recommendations. 

Paper on stalking from Family Violence Subject Matter Experts for the National Mortality Review Committee

The Family Violence Subject Matter Experts (FV SMEs) for the National Mortality Review Committee have released Findings from Family Violence Death Review data relating to stalking: January 2020 - June 2024 (2024). The paper was prepared to assist in the development of new legislation to make stalking a criminal offence. Te Puna Aonui held a webinar to share the paper's findings which is available online. The Government has also recently announced that stalking is to become illegal and a jailable offence. RNZ has recently covered the issue, A push to make stalking illegal in New Zealand.

This is Aotearoa – Sharing stories of Aotearoa to promote wellbeing relaunch

This is Aotearoa has relaunched their campaign with a new website, following on from its predecessor, Aotearoa Humanity Project. This is Aotearoa is a communications initiative dedicated to promoting and enhancing wellbeing through storytelling. These stories are designed to highlight evidence-based protective factors known to promote wellbeing. The searchable website contains over 1000 videos on topics such as family, community, loneliness, stress, and alcohol and drugs. Each month new stories are added. An introductory video is available on YouTube. This is Aotearoa was funded by ACC’s Violence Prevention programme.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Chinese cultural understandings of abuse of older people
• Survey on future disability support services
• Phase 2 research, Understanding Policing Delivery
• New paper on stalking from Family Violence SME for NMRC
• Relaunch of This is Aotearoa

NZFVC Quick Reads: 7 November 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Public apology to survivors of abuse in care to be livestreamed 

On Tuesday 12 November 2024, Prime Minister Cristopher Luxon will make a formal public apology to survivors of abuse in care from Parliament. The deadline for survivors to register to watch the apology at one of the Government organised venues has closed but a link to the livestream of the apology has been made available. We have also collated a list of community organised viewing events. Survivors have criticised the government’s approach to the apology including concerns about capacity limits.

Tender out for delivery of Court Support services for young sexual violence victim-survivors

Oranga Tamariki are requesting proposals for the delivery of Court Support services for young sexual violence victim-survivors. This service is designed to support the emotional, mental, cultural, spiritual and social needs of young victim-survivors in criminal justice process. The service will also support the family or whānau of the victim-survivor where possible to further support the young person as they navigate the criminal justice process. The tender closes Monday 18 November 2024.

Consultation opens for Oranga Tamariki Long-Term Insights Briefing 2025

Oranga Tamariki are consulting on their Long-Term Insights Briefings for 2025. This is the first phase of a two-phase public consultation approach to develop their briefing. These briefings require agencies to identify and explore issues for the future wellbeing of Aotearoa. For their briefing, Oranga Tamariki have proposed the topic, “How can we improve the early identification of, and support for, children and young people at risk of maltreatment between now and 2040?”. A discussion document has been provided containing further information on the proposed topic. Feedback can be given online and is required by Friday 29 November 2024. 

Feedback sought on review of Courts (Remote Participation) Act 2010

Te Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice, as part of its Review of the Courts (Remote Participation) Act 2010, is seeking public feedback on proposed changes to the Act in 3 areas:

• what a remote participation Act should apply to;
• how decisions about participating remotely should be made; and
• when remote participation should be used.

The discussion document provided for this consultation highlights that an earlier peice of legislation, The Courts (Remote Participation) Amendment Act 2024, enacted the presumption that victims may, where appropriate, participate remotely in criminal trials and sentencing, which is set to come into force March 2025. However, one of the issues for which feedback is being sought here is to “clarify that the Act covers remote observers, including victims, the media, and public”. Feedback can be given online or by email and is due Friday 6 December 2024.

Submissions open for Child Protection (Child Sex Offender Government Agency Registration) Amendment Bill

The chairperson of the Justice Committee is calling for public submissions on the Child Protection (Child Sex Offender Government Agency Registration) Amendment Bill. The Bill proposes to amend the Act in 3 ways:

• requiring registrable offenders to report that a child is going to be residing at the same address as them 48 hours in advance rather than 72 hours after;
• clarifying that if there is a successful appeal against registration, that information must be removed from the Register; and 
• making changes to assist registrable offenders to more easily comply with the Act and its requirements.

The Bill would also add 7 qualifying offences. The related Section 7 report is available online. Also see the related Regulatory Impact Statement and Cabinet Papers. Submissions close Friday 6 December 2024.

Submissions open on Mental Health Bill

The Chairperson of the Health Committee is now inviting submissions on the Mental Health Bill. This Bill would repeal and replace the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992. In the Legislative Statement for the Bill it sets out the Bill’s purpose to:

• promote decision-making capacity;
• improve equity in mental health outcomes among New Zealand’s population groups;
• protect the rights of tāngata whaiora; and,
• protect the safety and wellbeing of tāngata whaiora and all other New Zealanders.

The entire Mental Health Bill can be read online. Submissions close Friday 20 December 2024.

This Quick Reads covers:

• The public apology to survivors of abuse in care
• Submissions for Court Support services for young sexual violence victim-survivors
• Submissions for Oranga Tamariki Long-Term Insights Briefing 2025
• Submissions for Courts (Remote Participation) Act 2010
• Submissions for Child Protection (Child Sex Offender Government Agency Registration) Amendment Bill
• Submissions for Mental Health Bill

NZFVC Quick Reads: 24 October 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Mana Wāhine Kaupapa Inquiry (WAI 2700) research outputs

The Waitangi Tribunal has published the last of 7 research projects commissioned as part of the Mana Wāhine Kaupapa Inquiry (WAI 2700). These research projects provide accounts of:

• the historical overview, particularly of wāhine Māori roles, status, and knowledge, 1840-1950;
• equity and disparity in wellbeing, 1950-2000;
• access to leadership and representation, 1990-2020;
• contemporary justice issues, 1990-2020;
• contemporary education and employment issues, 1990-2020;
• contemporary economic issues, 1990-2020; and
• the diverse experiences of mana wāhine, Takapou Whāriki.

All 7 published reports can be found in our database.

Article and reports on technology and violence

An article and 2 reports have been released which explore the intersection of technology and violence.

• UN Women published Technology-facilitated gender-based violence: developing a shared research agenda (2024).
• The United Nations published the Report of the Special Rapporteur on the sale, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children (2024).
• The article Sextortion: a scoping review (2024) was published in the journal, Trauma, Violence and Abuse. 

Updates on the review of Oranga Tamariki monitoring system

A cabinet paper has been released outlining the approach to drafting an omnibus Bill for changes to the Oranga Tamariki monitoring system alongside the Terms of Reference for an independent review of the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 and Children and Young People's Commission Act 2022. A media release from Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora | Ministry of Social Development announced MartinJenkins as the independent reviewer alongside a link to the review’s terms of reference. The media release went on to say that the review will provide an opportunity to provide feedback on the Oranga Tamariki monitoring system.

Government response to recommendations from the fourth United Nations Universal Periodic Review

The Government has responded to the 259 recommendations made in the United Nation’s fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of New Zealand’s human rights record. Recommendations from this UPR included concerns about family violence and sexual violence, particularly against women, and concerns about the Government’s backdown from UNDRIP and the lack of constitutional protections for Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The Government announced their support for 168 of the recommendations and their partial support for a further 12. The acting Chief Commissioner of Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission, Saunoamaali’i Karanina Sumeo, commented on the Government’s response. The Commissioner’s response also includes links to the list of recommendations and the Government’s response to each of them.

Reports from Te Manatū Whakahiato Taiohi | Ministry of Youth Development

Te Manatū Whakahiato Taiohi | The Ministry of Youth Development has released Youth Voice & Leadership Engagement Report: Findings from the 2023 engagements with young people on the refresh of the Youth Plan: Voice Leadership Action (2024). The Ministry also released a report from their Ministerial Youth Advisory Group, Insights and findings from engagements: strengthening youth leadership and advisory groups (2024). 

He Ara Waiora handbook published by Te Tai Ōhanga | The Treasury

Te Tai Ōhanga | The Treasury has published the He Ara Waiora handbook (2024). The handbook was a collaborative development between the Treasury and Ngā Pūkenga aimed at helping policymakers implement He Ara Waiora into their work. He Ara Waiora is a framework that helps the Treasury to understand waiora and it's implications for lifting living standards in Aotearoa.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Mana Wāhine Kaupapa Inquiry
• Research on technology and violence
• Oranga Tamariki monitoring system review
• Government response to UN human rights review
• Reports from Ministry of Youth Development
• He Ara Waiora handbook

NZFVC Quick Reads: 18 October 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Videos from Abuse of Older People Research Symposium

The New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse and the Ministry of Social Development | Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora co-hosted the one-day symposium, Abuse of older people research symposium – Exploring current state of knowledge and critical gaps. It featured speaker panels and workshops that explored: Understanding and measuring abuse of older people; Inequities and intersectional identities; Reflections from practice on barriers and challenges; and Aspirations for wellbeing and Hauora. Videos and slides from the panels are available.

VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai evaluation survey

VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai are currently evaluating their services. They are inviting young people with care experience; carers, caregivers or whānau; and people who work with children and young people to complete an online survey. VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai want to hear from people whether they have interacted with VOYCE or not. 

Stats NZ 2023 Census: first ever LGBTIQ+ census data and Māori data stored on Iwi-designed platform

Stats NZ have released the Census 2023 data. The 2023 Census is the first census to collect data from New Zealanders about their gender, sexual identity, and whether they have a variation of sex characteristics. It is also the first census where Māori data is stored and shared on an Iwi-designed platform. Data on individuals and dwellings by Māori descent and iwi affiliation is available on Te Whata. Learn more about about Te Whata.

Community Networks Aotearoa release 6th State of the Sector report

Community Networks Aotearoa has released the 2024 State of the Sector Report. The report shares findings from a regular survey of the community and volunteer sector. In their media release, Community Networks Aotearoa said “This latest research reveals that many community organisations continue to struggle despite their resilience and dedication to serving their communities. The findings highlight significant challenges such as shrinking funding, stagnant or declining contracts, and increased difficulty in delivering high-quality services due to rising demands.”

Submissions open on Sentencing (Reform) Amendment Bill

The Justice Committee is inviting submissions on the Sentencing (Reform) Bill. Submissions are due 29 October 2024. The Bill seeks to introduce legislative changes to sentencing which would limit the use of sentence reductions to 40 percent; introduce new aggravating factors; amend sentencing principles to account for information provided by victims; prevent repeat use of sentence reductions for youth and for remorse; and encourage the use of cumulative sentencing. For an overview of the reforms and their potentials effects, see AUT Law Professor Kris Gledhill’s article for the Conversation, Dogma or data? Why sentencing reforms in NZ will annoy judges and clog the courts.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Videos from Abuse of Older People Research Symposium
• VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai evaluation survey
• Stats NZ 2023 Census, LGBTIQ+ and Māori data
• 2024 State of the Sector Report
• Submissions on Sentencing (Reform) Amendment Bill

NZFVC Quick Reads: 27 September 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

For our Mokopuna (2024), report from EAG for Children and Young People

Te Puna Aonui  have released a report from the Expert Advisory Group for Children and Young People, For Our Mokopuna (2024). The report sets out 7 recommendations aimed at promoting and sustaining children and young people’s active participation and engagement in the work of Te Puna Aonui.  

ACC announces prevention partners for its new community-led prevention initiative

ACC have announced the first 5 prevention partners for their new community-led prevention initiative, Hikitia! For Our Future. This new network of prevention partners is tasked with working alongside community and local leaders to support wellbeing, protect against violence, and prevent harm. The new prevention partners are Te Rūnanga o Whaingaroa in Te Tai Tokerau, Tauawhi Charitable Trust in Tairawhiti, Tautoko Mai Sexual Harm Support Services in Te Arawa, Rise! Living Safe in Te Tau Ihu, and Te Hou Ora Whānau Services in Otago.

Ministry of Justice consultation on jury trials 

Te Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice announced they are seeking public feedback on two options to related to jury trials: increasing the jury trial threshold; and enabling flexibility in the timing of jury election. These proposals and options for change are set out in more detail in the Improving Jury Trial Timeliness: Discussion document (2024). The Interim Regulatory Impact Statement for the proposed changes is also available online. Feedback can be given via online survey or written submission. The consultation period closes 31 October 2024. 

Ministry of Social Development disability awareness training

Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora | Ministry of Social Development is accepting registrations of interest for a disability awareness training programme set to commence in early 2025. The training is open to MSD-funded sexual violence and family violence service providers wanting to know more about how to make their services accessible for disabled people. For more information on the training and how to register, see the Accessibility Fund webpage.

Article on substance use and domestic violence

Researchers from The University of Melbourne have written an article for The Conversation, How perpetrators of domestic violence use drugs and alcohol to control their victims. The article provides an overview and summary of the authors’ research into at the role alcohol and other drugs play in perpetrators’ tactics of violence and abuse. The research covered in the article come from KODY: Researching an all-of-family program in family violence and substance misuse. 

Ministry of Justice release latest statistics 

Te Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice have released their justice data for the financial year ending 30 June 2024. The Ministry’s Data tables webpage contains a summary of key trends about people with finalised charges, including children and young people and the Youth Court. The webpage also offers downloadable data tables, including specific tables for sexual offences and family violence offences, and for protection order applications. These data tables contain statistics for the last 10 years. For more on statistics, see our violence statistics page.

This Quick Reads covers:

• For Our Mokopuna (2024) report released
• ACC announces prevention partners for new initiative
• MOJ consultation on jury trials
• MSD disability awareness training
• Article on substance use and domestic violence
• MOJ release latest stats

NZFVC Quick Reads: 19 September 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

New research on family violence disclosure schemes, how to access disclosure scheme in Aotearoa

A new report from Monash University in Australia has been published, Informed and safe, or blamed and at risk? Examining the merits and limits of domestic violence disclosure schemes in Australian and New Zealand (2024). The report’s authors also discussed their research in an article for The Conversation. In Aotearoa, the Family Violence Information Disclosure Scheme allows Police to disclose the family violence history of an individual when they cause concern for oneself, a family member or a friend. More information on the scheme and how to access it can be found at Family Violence Information Disclosure Scheme (FVIDS).

Resources from Children’s Rights Symposium 2024

The Children’s Rights Symposium 2024 was held on 1 August 2024 and was convened by Mana Mokopuna – Children and Young People’s Commission. The Symposium held 4 mokopuna-led workshops: Mokopuna Māori and Non-discrimination; Mokopuna living away from their whānau, including a care-experienced led panel; Issues for disabled children, including impact of child poverty; Climate action and participation. Recordings of the workshops alongside other symposium resources can be accessed at Resources from the Children’s Rights Symposium 2024.

Child Safeguarding Week 2024 digital safety resources  

As part of Child Safeguarding Week 2024, Safeguarding Children has compiled a wide range of resources including webinars, podcasts and free e-learning courses, to help parents keep their kids safe online. Organisations and individuals featured in the resources include Nikki Denholm, Netsafe, Dr Emma Barker-Clarke, and Tim Houston (Manager of the Digital Child Exploitation Team at the Department of Internal Affairs).

Education Review Office publishes report on counselling in schools

Te Tari Arotake Mātauranga | Education Review Office has published a new findings report, Someone to talk to: Evaluation of Counselling in Schools (2024). A brief summary of the report’s findings can be found in the Education Review Office’s media release, More primary school students are struggling with their mental health, but a promising initiative can make a big difference and in RNZ’s coverage, School scheme dramatically reduces bad behaviour, say teachers.

Consultation open on Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm 2025/26 to 2027/28 

Manatū Hauora | Ministry of Health are seeking feedback on their Draft Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm 2025/26 to 2027/28. Feedback can be given online. For instructions, please see the Ministry of Health’s consultation page. The consultation period closes 6 October 2024. For information related to problem gambling and violence, see our library’s problem gambling quick topic search.

Consultation open on Draft Suicide Prevention Action Plan for 2025 – 2029

Manatū Hauora | Ministry of Health is seeking feedback on the Draft Suicide Prevention Action Plan for 2025-2029. Feedback can be given by online survey, email, or by attending a consultation meeting. The Ministry of Health is also holding 2 virtual information sessions on 20 and 24 September 2024 about the consultation process. Information about these sessions and the consultation process can be found at Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2025 - 2029 Consultation. The consultation period closes 1 November 2024. For resources and research related to suicide data and prevention, see our library’s suicide quick search topic.

BSA report on free speech and harms to Māori, Pacific, Asian and Muslim people

Te Mana Whanonga Kaipāho | Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) have released a new report, Freedom of Expression and Harms Impacting Diverse Communities (2024). The BSA discuss their findings in their media release, Half of diverse audiences avoid broadcasts due to experience with harmful content. The media release highlighted that social media was the most cited platform for encountering offensive material, prompting researchers to raise the need for a regulatory regime which can effectively address social media.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Research on FV disclosure schemes
• Resources from Children’s Rights Symposium 2024
• Child Safeguarding Week digital safety resources
• ERO report on Counselling in Schools
• Consultation on Draft Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm
• Consultation on Draft Suicide Prevention Action Plan
• BSA report on free speech and harms to Māori, Pacific, Asian, and Muslim people

NZFVC Quick Reads: 13 September 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

NZFVC report on local violence networks 

We were commissioned by Te Puna Aonui to look at how local and regional family violence and sexual violence networks could be strengthened. Findings from the project have been published in the report, Strengthening Local and Regional Networks (2024). This work was identified by the Systems Working Group as part of Te Aorerekura Action 5.

Registrations open for TOAH-NNEST conference

Registration is open for the Te Ohaakii a Hine – National Network Ending Sexual Violence Together (TOAH-NNEST) Sexual Violence Conference 2024. The theme of the National Sexual Violence Conference 2024 is “Te Tāmata Tipu” and is about restoring growth and vitality.

Survey for young people about sexuality education

Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa (formerly Family Planning) is running a survey to find out what young people think about relationships and sexuality education in Aotearoa. Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa wants to hear from young people to help ensure their voice is included in the review expected by government of the Relationships and Sexual Education (RSE) in New Zealand. The survey is online.

Report on responding to child to parent violence and abuse Aotearoa

A new report has been published by VisAble, Child to Parent Violence and Abuse: New Zealand’s Invisible Family Violence (2024). The report explores the research on child to parent violence. It also looks at international programmes and resources for responding to child to parent violence and abuse, and explores whether these would be a good fit for families living with neurodiversity.

Report to UN highlights issues relating to detention and youth justice residences

The 2022/23 Monitoring places of detention: Annual report of activities under the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OPCAT) (2024) report has been tabled in parliament. Five statutory agencies contribute to the report include Mana Mokopuna Children and Young People’s Commission. The Mana Mokopuna Children and Young People’s Commission section of the report highlights the harm mokopuna are experiencing in the youth justice system, the need to address over-representation of Māori across all detention settings, and the need to improve the accessibility and independence of complaint processes for young people in detention.

MSD launch website as part of Love Better campaign

Launched in 2023, Love Better is the Ministry of Social Development’s (MSD) primary prevention campaign for young people. It is aimed at fostering safe, positive, and equal relationships. See the campaign website www.lovebetter.org.nz. Learn more about the campaign in MSD’s August Family Violence and Sexual Violence e-update.

This Quick Reads covers:

• NZFVC report on networks
• Registrations open for TOAH-NNEST conference
• Survey for young people on sexuality education
• Report to UN highlights issues relating to detention and youth justice residences
• MSD launch Love Better website

NZFVC Quick Reads: 6 September 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Press Pause - new website for adults supporting young people in Aotearoa

Press Pause is a new website designed to help adults understand, recognise, and respond to concerning sexual behaviour in young people. The website is aimed at adults in positions of responsibility for young people, including professionals, concerned parents and family members. The website contains 6 modules aimed at equipping adults to respond effectively to concerning sexual behaviour in young people. The 6 modules are: boundaries, online behaviour, pornography, sexualised images, sexualised language, and unwanted sexual touch. Press Pause was developed by Stop in Ōtautahi and was funded by the Ministry of Social Development. 

Australia research on what makes men’s behaviour change programmes work

Monash University in Melbourne, Australia have released, Engaging in Change: A Victorian study of perpetrator program attrition and participant engagement in men’s behaviour change programs (2024). Researchers interviewed men who had engaged in behaviour change programmes, their family members, and practitioners who deliver these programmes. The report’s authors wrote an article for the Conversation summarising their findings in which they state that men’s behaviour change is a nuanced process influenced by readiness, motivation, referral pathways, and support systems. 

Changes to Whaikaha and funding for disabled people’s services

Following the Independent Review of Disability Support Services (2024) the government has made a series of decisions affecting the future of Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People and funding for disabled people’s services. The review made 7 recommendations which the government has committed to implementing. A number of the recommendations related to the funding and monitoring of Needs Assessment and Service Coordination organisations, Enabling Good Lives sites, residential care, and providers. Alongside this commitment, the government announced their plans to transfer Disability Support Services to a new business unit within the Ministry of Social Development, and to create a standalone government department for the rest of the Ministry of Disabled People. This entity will provide leadership and stewardship for disabled people across government.

Infographics from Backbone Collective

The Backbone collective has released 4 infographics highlighting the reality of unhelpful and unsafe systems, and system responses faced by many victim-survivors in their efforts to seek help to become safe. The infographics and their explainers can be viewed and downloaded for free from The Backbone Collective’s website.

This Quick Reads covers:

• New resources for responding to young people's concerning sexual behaviour
• New research on men's behaviour change programmes
• Changes to Whaikaha and funding for disabled people’s services
• Infographics depicting the experiences of victim-survivors of violence

NZFVC Quick Reads: 30 August 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Public consultation for the review of the End of Life Choice Act 2019

Manatū Hauora | The Ministry of Health is currently undertaking a review of the End of Life Choice Act 2019 (the Act). This review will cover each aspect of the legal framework set out by the Act, including eligibility criteria, processes, safeguards to protect patients and practitioners, and the establishment of administrative bodies to oversee and monitor the provision of assisted dying. The consultation is open to all, but the Ministry has highlighted their particular interested in engaging directly with those who have sought or supported someone seeking assisted dying services in Aotearoa. Information on how to make a submission can be found online. The consultation period closes 26 September 2024.

NGO participation in UN CEDAW meeting 

The United Nations has provided information on how NGOs can participate in the upcoming Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women’s (CEDAW) review of several countries’ reports on their implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.  Aotearoa is included amongst those nations being reviewed, with the examination set to take place on 10 October 2024. The deadline for submissions from NGOs wishing to participate is 9 September 2024. Manatū Wāhine | Ministry of Women can provide further information and advice at: caucus@women.govt.nz.

Human Rights Commissioners appointed

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has announced 3 appointments to Te Kāhui Tika Tangata | Human Rights Commission. Dr Stephen Rainbow has been appointed as the Chief Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Melissa Derby (Ngāti Ranginui) as Race Relations Commissioner, and Dr Gail Pacheco as Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner. The incoming commissioners will join Disability Rights Commissioner, Prudence Walker, and Rongomau Taketake indigenous rights governance leader, Dayle Takitimu (Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Porou).

Latest Sexual Violence attrition report and new fact sheet on abuse reported as adults

Te Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice has released, Progression of reported sexual assaults through the criminal justice system: Sexual assaults reported to Police April 2017-March 2023 (2024). This report uses data from Police and the Courts and highlights the pathways of victims rather than those of perpetrators. The Ministry have also published a factsheet Adults reporting sexual assaults to Police that they experienced as children (2024), which highlights how adult reports of child sexual assault differ from reports made by children. 

This Quick Reads covers:

• Public consultation for End of Life Act 2019 review
• NGO participation in UN CEDAW meeting
• Human Rights Commissioners appointed
• Latest Sexual Violence attrition report and new fact sheet on abuse reported as adults

NZFVC Quick Reads: 22 August 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Revised legislation on surrogacy open for submission

The Health Committee is seeking feedback on their recently released report, Improving Arrangements for Surrogacy Bill: Third interim report (2024). The report includes the redrafted bill, after extensive changes as a result of the Law Commission’s 2022 report, Te Kōpū Whāngai: He Arotake, Review of Surrogacy. The report also includes 15 questions that the Committee is seeking feedback on. Submissions are due 18 September 2024 and can be made at Improving Arrangements for Surrogacy Bill. For further information, see our news story  coverage of the 2022 call for submissions.

Consultation on vocational education and training reform

The Government is calling for feedback on the proposed vocational education reforms intended to replace Te Pūkenga. The details of the proposed changes can be found in Redesign of the vocational education and training system: proposals for public consultation. Of note is option B of Proposal 2 which calls for the disestablishment of Workforce Development Councils (WDC) and their potential replacement by a smaller number of more focused, industry-specific standard-setting bodies. This could mean the disestablishment of Toitū te Waiora, the WDC responsible for improving the community, health, education, and social services workforces. The Tertiary Education Commission and the Ministry of Education are holding a series of in-person meetings and webinars to discuss the proposals. Submissions close 12 September 2024 and can be made online and by email, more details can be found online.

New report on victim blaming from Manaaki Tāngata | Victim support

Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support has released Experiences of Victim Blaming and its Impact on Help-Seeking, Crime Reporting and Recovery: Key findings report (2024). Researchers interviewed 31 victims of crime, including victims of sexual violence, family violence, assault, theft, fraud, and several other offences. See Victim Support’s media release for information on the study. This research forms part of Victim Support campaign, Change the Script: End victim blaming.

Mana Mokopuna published a child-friendly resource on the Rights of the Child

Mana Mokopuna Children and Young People’s Commission have published, Doing what’s right for mokopuna: recommendations from the United Nations to improve mokopuna rights in Aotearoa New Zealand (2024). This child-friendly resource sets out rights under the Children's Convention and explains the UN Committee's Concluding Observations on Aotearoa. This resource was developed alongside a diverse range of children and young people and is available in English and te reo Māori.

Community Research’s Te Tiriti 2024 and Beyond podcasts

Community Research has produced a 6 episode podcast series, Te Tiriti 2024 and Beyond. The podcast is hosted by Kaye-Maree Dunn and features discussion with tangata whenua and tangata Tiriti on He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The series guests include Professor Makere (Margaret) Mutu and Dr Luke Fitzmaurice-Brown, among others.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Revised legislation on surrogacy open for submission
• Consultation on vocational education and training reform
• New report on victim blaming
• Child-friendly resource on the Rights of the Child from Mana Mokopuna
• Community Research’s Te Tiriti 2024 and Beyond podcasts

NZFVC Quick Reads: 8 August 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Report from Te Whāriki Manawāhine O Hauraki on mahi tūkino and housing poverty

Te Whāriki Manawāhine O Hauraki have published He Whare, He Taonga Report – Connecting Mahi Tūkino and Housing Poverty in Hauraki: Wāhine give voice to compassionate solutions (2024). In this report, Te Whāriki Manawāhine Research explored the relationship between mahi tūkino (family violence and sexual violence) and housing poverty, and how it impacts on the provision of secure housing for Wāhine Māori and their whānau in Hauraki. Read an article reflecting on the mahi by researcher Paora Moyle.

Police publish Homicide Victims Report 2022

The New Zealand Police have published the Homicide Victims Report 2022 (2024). The report is a summary of statistics about victims of murder, manslaughter, and infanticide using police data. For more comprehensive information see our statistics resources including statistics related to Family violence deaths.

New web resource on the court process for young people who have experienced sexual violence 

The Ministry of Justice has launched new webpages, Information for young people: helping you through the court process. The information is intended for children, young people, and their caregivers. It contains information for when children and young people are involved in sexual violence proceedings and aims to help them make informed decisions about the actions they take after experiencing sexual violence. 

Updated resource, Responding to misconceptions about sexual offending 

Te Kura Kaiwhakawā | Institute of Judicial Studies has published an updated version of Responding to misconceptions about sexual offending: Example directions for judges and lawyers (2024). The document is intended as a resource for judges and lawyers. The misconceptions materials were first published in August 2023. Following a consultation process with the legal profession, a revised version was published on 30 July 2024. Ngā Kōti o Aotearoa | Courts of New Zealand website has more details about what has been updated.

Office for Seniors, Age Friendly Fund 2024 open for applications 

Te Tari Kaumātua | Office for Seniors is now accepting grant applications for the 2024 round of the Age Friendly Fund. The Age Friendly Fund provides one-off grants of $5,000-$15,000 to initiatives promoting the inclusion and contribution of older people in all aspects of community life. Applications close 30 September 2024.

Applications open for government’s new mental health fund 

The Minister for Mental Health has announced a new $10 million Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund. The purpose of the fund is to support innovative time-limited projects and initiatives aimed at improving mental health outcomes in New Zealand. Applications are currently open, closing 29 August 2024.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Report on mahi tūkino and housing poverty in Hauraki
• Police publish Homicide Victims Report 2022
• New resource on court process for young victims of sexual violence
• Updated resource, Responding to misconceptions about sexual offending
• Age Friendly Fund 2024 open for applications
• Applications open for new mental health fund

NZFVC Quick Reads: 31 July 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Law Commission seeking feedback on preferred approach to preventive detention and post-sentence orders

Te Aka Matua o te Ture | Law Commission is calling for submissions on Here ora? Preventive measures for community safety, rehabilitation and reintegration: Preferred Approach Paper (2024). The paper presents the Law Commission’s preferred proposals for the reform of the law governing preventive detention, extended supervision orders, and public protection orders. Submissions can be made via email, pdr@lawcom.govt.nz, or by post. The postal address and a submission form template can be found on the review’s webpage. Submissions close Friday 20 September 2024. For more information, see our story, Law Commission consulting on laws related to serious sexual and violent offenders.

Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Fund now open

The next round of the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Fund is open and accepting grant applications and closes 28 August 2024. The fund is looking for applications from civil society and non-government organisations seeking to deliver initiatives that counter and build resilience to violent extremism and radicalisation. More information on the application process and funding criteria can be found on the fund’s webpage. Applications can be made online via the Grants Management System.

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

The United Nation’s International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples takes place on 9 August 2024, marking the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations. This year’s theme is ‘Protecting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact’. To celebrate the day, the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Elimination of Violence Against Women are hosting a panel of indigenous academics, including some from Aotearoa, for their event, Indigenous Joy: Our Survivance in a Colonial World.

Resources and information on the impacts of mandatory reporting on survivors

VAWnet, a US based information hub for violence against women, has compiled information and resources on mandatory reporting in She Trusted Me and I reported Her: What do Advocates Need to Know about the Impact of Mandatory Reporting on Survivors?. The webpage includes discussions of mandatory reporting and hyper-incarceration and the conflation of child maltreatment and intimate partner violence. It provides links to related resources, including several webinar recordings. 

This Quick Reads covers:

• Feedback sought by Law Commission on approach to preventive detention, post-sentence orders
• Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Fund now open
• International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
• Resources and information on mandatory reporting's impact on survivors

NZFVC Quick Reads: 17 July 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Survivor feedback invited on Ministry of Education sensitive claims process

The Ministry of Education (MoE) is setting out to improve its sensitive claims process for abuse in a New Zealand state school. Tūhono Collective has been contracted by the Ministry to help design the process. They are seeking feedback on the draft design from: survivors and advocates, Māori and Pacific peoples, and people with experience of the Ministry’s sensitive claims process. If you are interested in giving feedback you can complete an online form or email zeb.tupai@laidlaw.co.nz by 19 July 2024. This work is separate to the Crown Response Unit’s work on a wider redress system.

MOJ stocktake report on child participation in family court

The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has released the Review of Children’s Participation in the Family Justice System of Aotearoa New Zealand (2022). MOJ commissioned the report to assist with the implementation of the Family Court (Supporting Children in Court) Legislation Act 2021 which includes a provision that children must be given reasonable opportunities to participate in any decision affecting them.

Pūmahara Ia Te Wā Queer History Month Aotearoa

This July marks the first Pūmahara Ia Te Wā Queer History Month in Aotearoa, an initiative of Kawe Mahara Queer Archives Aotearoa and the National Library. The whakataukī for this year’s Queer History Month is,

“He kitenga kanohi, he hokinga mahara.
He kawenga mahara, he hāpori kitea.
A familiar face stirs one’s memories.
A collection of memories is a community seen.”

Kawe Mahara Queer Archives Aotearoa, formerly Lesbian and Gay Archives of New Zealand (LAGANZ), collects, preserves, and make available for research the records and personal papers of queer and takatapui people and organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand. For those who would like to contribute to the work of Kawe Mahara Queer Archives Aotearoa, they hold virtual drop-in sessions for anyone wanting to volunteer their time.

New research on sexual violence prevalence in Australia. 

A study by the Australian Institute of Criminology examined the sexual violence prevalence rates among adult Australians, Perpetration of sexual violence in a community sample of adult Australians (2024). The study surveyed 5,076 adult Australians about their use of sexual violence. It defined sexual violence broadly to include sexual harassment and coercion, sexual assault, and image-based sexual abuse. The study’s findings were summarised in an article for The Conversation, New research shows 1 in 5 Australians have perpetrated sexual violence in their adult lives. The true rate might even be worse.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Feedback invited on MoE sensitive claims process
• MOJ stocktake report on child participation in family court
• Queer History Month Aotearoa
• New Research on Sexual Violence prevalence in Australia

NZFVC Quick Reads: 11 July 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Abuse in care inquiry report submitted and survivor service to remain open

The final report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-Based Care has been submitted to the Governor-General. The latest pānui from the Crown Response to the Abuse in Care Inquiry stated that the report will be made public when presented to Parliament on 24 July 2024. Though the Royal Commission has closed, the Survivor Experiences Service will remain open until the introduction of a new, independent redress system. This service provides a space for survivors of abuse in care, and the family and whānau of survivors, to have their experiences heard, validated, and acknowledged.

Exhibition to open displaying work from survivors of abuse in care

He Kura Toiora an exhibition of healing for survivors of abuse in care. It was created by Te Roopū Toiora, the national roopū for survivors of abuse in faith and state-based care. It features art, sculpture, poetry, music, dance, documentaries, and Tā moko, all by survivor artists. The exhibition will be open at Te Auaha Gallery, Wellington 2-4 August 2024.

New Australian research on use of strangulation during sex

The open-access article, Prevalence of Sexual Strangulation/Choking Among Australian 18–35 Year-Olds (2024), reports findings from a survey of more than 4000 18–35 years about their use or experience of strangulation, including issues of safety and consent. See a summary by the researchers The Conversation article More than half of Australian young people are using strangulation during sex: new research. In related news, Medical Sexual Assault Clinicians Aotearoa (MEDSAC) are organising the ‘Rough Sex’/'Choking'/Strangulation: A national, cross-sector symposium, taking place 29 November 2024 in Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington.

New documentary on Aotearoa pet refuge

The documentary, Refuge: A Duty to Care, explores the work of Pet Refuge, a refuge which offers shelter to the pets of family violence victims when seeking safety. The documentary is available to be streamed until the 31 July 2024 as part of the Doc Edge Festival 2024. For more information on the documentary, see the University of Auckland news article Shelter for pets escaping family violence: new doco. Learn more about Pet Refuge services on their website.

Cabinet paper on changes to Child Youth and Wellbeing Strategy

The Ministry of Social Development has released a Cabinet Social Outcomes Committee (SOU) Minute of Decision on the Child Youth and Wellbeing Strategy. It states “…that the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction (the Minister) intends to undertake targeted consultation on specific elements of an updated Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy in June and July 2024, and report-back to SOU in August 2024 to seek agreement to the updated strategy.”

This Quick Reads covers:

• Abuse in care inquiry, final report and survivor services
• Exhibition of work from survivors of abuse in care
• New research on use of strangulation during sex
• New documentary on Aotearoa pet refuge
• Cabinet paper on changes to Child Youth and Wellbeing Strategy

NZFVC Quick Reads: 5 July 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

E Tū Whānau song competition announces winners

The winners of the 2024 E Tū Whānau Song Competition have been announced. Each entry reflected this year’s theme, “My whānau, my future”, with some choosing to express the equality and mutual respect between wāhine and tāne. The award-winning songs, alongside a link to all the entries, can be found on the Competition’s webpage.

MSD Accessibility Fund open for grant applications

The Accessible Family and Sexual Violence Services for Disabled People Fund (the Accessibility Fund) is now accepting grant applications. Grant applications are open to support MSD-funded family violence and sexual violence providers to enhance their physical, digital, and information-based accessibility for disabled people/tāngata whaikaha Māori. Information about the fund’s focus areas and the application process can be found on the Accessibility Fund’s webpage. Applications due by 12 August 2024.

3 strikes legislation open for submissions

The Justice Select Committee is now accepting submissions on the Sentencing (Reinstating Three Strikes) Amendment Bill. The bill would apply to 42 qualifying serious violent and sexual offences. It would require second strike sentences to be served without parole and third strike sentences to carry the maximum penalty for the offence to be served without parole. Submissions are due by 23 July 2024.

Guide to rights for transgender and non-binary people

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata | Human Rights Commission has released the resource, Trans Rights are Human Rights: A guide to your rights and protections as a transgender person. The resource is available in accessible formats. It outlines protections under human rights law in Aotearoa for transgender and non-binary people. It has information about what to do if your human rights are breached. If you think you have experienced discrimination because of your gender or experienced conversion practices, you can contact the Human Rights Commission for information, support, or to make a complaint.

Call for submissions on Law Commission Ia Tangata issues paper

Te Aka Matua o te Ture | Law Commission is accepting submission on their issues paper for Ia Tangata – A review of the protections in the Human Rights Act 1993 for people who are transgender, people who are non-binary and people who have an innate variation of sex characteristics. The issues paper provides some background and context to the review, identifies and explores potential options for reform, and poses 80 questions on which they are seeking feedback. Submissions can be made online and are due 5 September 2024.

UN Working group report finds escalating backlash against gender equality

The United Nations Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls recently published their report, Escalating backlash against gender equality and urgency of reaffirming substantive equality and the human rights of women and girls (2024). The official media release offers a high-level summary of the report’s findings on the current state of gender equality and what a framework for substantive, transformative equality would look like and require of States.

This Quick Reads covers:

• E Tū Whānau song competition winners
• MSD Accessibility fund grants
• 3 strikes legislation open for submissions
• Guide to rights for transgender and non-binary people
• Call for submissions on Law Commission issues paper
• UN report finds escalating backlash against gender equality

NZFVC Quick Reads: 2 July 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

NZCVS  evaluation report and latest findings

Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice released a summary report from the Evaluation of the New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey (2024). The report was commissioned to assess the New Zealand Crime Victims Survey (NZCVS) and provide recommendations for improvement. The recommendations include reviewing questions related to family violence and sexual violence, hosting a symposium to discuss the results, using a booster for more young participants (age 15 to 19), and a new Māori booster to more effectively increase Māori participation. The Ministry of Justice also released the most recent findings from the NZCVS. 

Research on peer support for male survivors of sexual abuse 

Tautoko Tāne Male Survivors Aotearoa published part two of a research project on support services for male survivors of sexual violence Thriving, just not just surviving: The experiences of male survivors of historical sexual abuse in Aotearoa / New Zealand – Part 2: Peer support as a pathway forward (2024). This report looked at what does and doesn’t work well in peer support, and how peer support could be improved. 

BSA report on survey of community attitudes about gender diversity   

The Broadcasting Standards Authority | Te Mana Whanonga Kaipāho (BSA) released the report, 2024 Litmus test of BSA decisions – Public attitudes towards gender identity issues on TV/Radio (2024). The research explores community attitudes towards gender identity issues and whether the BSA’s decisions reflect these attitudes and are understood by the public. The survey found New Zealanders see significant public interest in airing diverse views on gender identity but are concerned about the potential for community harm. The BSA shared a summary of the report’s findings in the media release.

New resources for trans and gender diverse people, their partners and practitioners

Zoe Belle Gender Collective, an Australian based trans and gender diverse led advocacy organisation, has created new resources. Gender euphoria and sex (2023) is a resource for trans and gender diverse people exploring gender, sex and consent. Gender diversity, sex and consent (2024) is a resource for people who want to learn more about healthy sexual relationships with trans and gender diverse people. Responding to the objectification, fetishisation and sexual exploitation of trans women and trans feminine people by cisgender men: A Transfemme practice guide (2024) is for health and community practitioners who want to better understand how to identify and address objectification, fetishisation and sexual exploitation of transgender women by cisgender men. These resources build on their web resource, Transfemme, a project focused on preventing cis men’s violence against trans women and trans feminine people.

Australian research on police response to suicide threats in family violence

Researcher Jessica Woolley published research Policing perpetrator suicide threats in family violence cases: competing priorities and contemporary challenges (2023). This article draws on the perspectives of ten specialist family violence officers from Victoria Police to provide insight into the policing of suicide threats in the context of coercive control. The author also wrote an article discussing the research for The Conversation. 

This Quick Reads covers:

• NZCVS evaluation report and latest findings
• Research on peer support for male survivors
• BSA research on community attitudes about gender diversity
• Resources for trans and gender diverse people
• Australia research on police response to suicide threats in family violence

NZFVC Quick Reads: 13 June 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission report on addiction and mental health workforce

Te Hiringa Mahara Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission published their 2024 monitoring report, Kua Tīmata Te Haerenga | The Journey has Begun (2024). This report focuses on access to mental health and addiction services and options available over the five years from July 2018 to June 2023. This is the third annual monitoring report since 2022, the previous reports can be accessed online. For more on this, see Waatea news’ coverage, Mental health services short of workers and Gap growing in mental health workforce.

MSD report on family violence and sexual violence service gaps

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) published A report outlining family violence and sexual violence service gaps in Aotearoa (2024) on the Te Puna Aonui website. The report outlines gaps in family violence and sexual violence services and identifies gaps in 5 broad areas. The report also outlines a potential approach to addressing these gaps split into two-phases, the first focussing on existing services and the second focused on expanding and developing tailored services. This work is part of addressing Actions 29 and 30 of Te Aorerekura Action Plan and involved public consultation.

Registrations open for 15th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women

The 15th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women is taking place on 22-24 July 2024 in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands. This conference is the primary mechanism for monitoring the progress outlined in the Pacific Platform for Action for Gender Equality and Women’s Human Rights 2018 – 2030. This year’s conference will gather Pacific leaders, representatives from non-governmental organisations, and development partners to discuss 3 priority areas: health of women and girls; prevention of gender-based violence; and gender-responsive climate justice. The conference is now accepting registrations for in-person by 28 June and online attendance by 11 July. A call for proposals for parallel sessions is open until 17 June. A limited number of travel grants are available for civil society or non-government organisations. See the conference website for further details.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Report on addiction and mental health workforce
• MSD report on FV and SV service gaps
• 15th Triennial Conference of Pacific Women

NZFVC Quick Reads: 10 June 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Recording available for A Litany of Sound Revisited webinar

The recording from our webinar, Kōrero and reflections about Violence within Whānau and Mahi Tūkino — A Litany of Sound Revisited, is now available. This webinar brought together 4 speakers to continue the kōrero from Violence within Whānau and Mahi Tūkino – A Litany of Sound Revisited (2024), reflecting on research and real-life expertise. The speakers include the author of the book, Denise Wilson, along with Poata Watene, Ngarongo Eaton and Te Whetu Mairangi (Whetu Horo) Balzer-Horo.

Ministry of Justice reports on crime and victimisation, and youth justice

The Ministry of Justice has released 2 reports. 5 years of insights on crime and victimisation in Aotearoa (2024), which includes insights on family violence, uses data from the last 5 years of the NZ Crime and Victims Survey to provide a fuller picture of crime and victimisation in Aotearoa. Youth Justice Indicators Summary Report (2024) uses data from New Zealand Police and Oranga Tamariki and includes information about: when children and young people that offend enter the system, how they interact with the system, and if they reoffend.

Guide on anti-transgender extremism

Gender Minorities Aotearoa has published Anti-transgender Extremism: Identifying, preventing, and countering anti-transgender extremism (2024). This guide provides practical advice on recognising, preventing, and countering anti-transgender extremism, with a focus on keeping community events safe from anti-transgender violence. For information on reporting anti-transgender violence to the Police, see their Hate-motivated crime webpage.

Report explores the experiences of family violence specialists in Australia

A report from the Australian-based Paul Ramsey Foundation has been released, Passionate, relentless, grassroots problem-solving: Insights from the Field of Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Support (2024). This report, produced by Innovation Unit, draws on conversations with 31 non-First Nations-led organisations and explores professional experiences of working with specialist cohorts and communities around domestic and family violence support and prevention, as well as the wider shifts in support and conditions needed in Australia. A second report from ResearchCrowd who is working with First Nations-led organisations is forthcoming.

Global statistics on online child sexual exploitation

Childlight, a global data institute, has released findings from their research into the estimated prevalence of online child sexual exploitation victims and offenders, and the scale and nature of child sexual abuse material online. The Into the Light Index report draws on data from national surveys, research and practice, and intends to track and update this data over time. Deborah Fry, professor of international child protection research and Childlight’s director of data, summarised findings in her Conversation article. Based on 125 representative studies published between 2011 and 2023, they estimate one in eight children – 302 million young people – have experienced online sexual abuse and exploitation in a one year period.

UN Committee seeking input on children’s access to justice

The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child is drafting general comment No. 27 on children’s rights to access justice and effective remedies. The Committee is seeking feedback to clarify terms, approaches and actions States should take in order to implement the right of all children to access justice and effective remedies. The concept note contains more information on the issue but notes that children and young people’s access to justice applies to more than the criminal justice system. Submissions are due by 23 August 2024. 

This Quick Reads covers:

• Recording available for A Litany of Sound Revisited webinar
• 2 new MOJ reports on crime and victimisation, and youth
• New guide on anti-transgender extremism
• Report explores experiences of family violence specialists in Australia
• Global stats on online child sexual exploitation
• UN committee seeking input on children’s access to justice

NZFVC Quick Reads: 23 May 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Te Puna Aonui and ACC survey of violence sector now live

Te Puna Aonui and ACC’s Agents of Change Survey is for family violence and sexual violence workforces and primary prevention system. It closes 17 June 2024. The survey is intended for anyone working to prevent and respond to family violence and sexual violence. The survey results will be used to measure the sector’s progress against Te Aorerekura and will also inform how Te Puna Aonui and ACC can better support the violence sector moving forward. More information, including frequently asked questions, can be found on the survey’s information page.

Cabinet paper released on proposed changes to Oranga Tamariki oversight 

A cabinet paper on the proposed changes to the oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system has been proactively released. The paper includes proposed changes to the Independent Children’s Monitor and the Children and Young People’s Commission. The paper also includes plans to commence the statutory reviews of the Children and Young People's Commission Act 2022 and Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act 2022 this year. The Minister for Social Development and Employment, Hon Louise Upston has also issued a media release on the proposed changes.

Experience of pregnant māmā Māori shared in new documentary

It Takes a Kāinga (2024), a short documentary directed by Taylor Hohepa, explores wāhine Māori experiences of being māmā hāpū in Aotearoa. It highlights the challenges faced by Māori in a health system rooted in settler-colonial myths about wāhine Māori, myths which contribute to them being twice as likely to die and 3.35 times more likely to commit suicide during pregnancy. This documentary also shares insights on Māori-led healthcare solutions which empower māmā hapū to preserve their whakapapa through traditional birthing practices.

TOAH-NNEST National Sexual Violence Conference 2024 calling for abstracts

Te Ohaakii a Hine – National Network Ending Sexual Violence Together (TOAH-NNEST) is calling for workshop proposals for the Sexual Violence Conference 2024 on 19-20 November 2024. Proposals are due 4 June 2024 (deadline extended) 27 May 2024. For more information, contact TOAH-NNEST at svconference2024@toah-nnest.org.nz.

Videos on privacy related topics

For Privacy Week the Privacy Commissioner hosted a range of events on topics related to privacy. They have shared the videos and slides of these presentations at Privacy Week 2024. Topics include Māori data sovereignty, safeguarding children, AI, and privacy for not-for-profits. 

E Tū Whānau song competition open

The 2024 E Tū Whana Song Competition is open for submissions. Entries must be in by Friday 14 June 2024. Submitted songs should be original compositions and be inspired by this year’s theme, “my whanau my future.” See the Song Competition’s webpage for more information on the submission requirements and how to enter.

This Quick Reads covers:

• Te Puna Aonui and ACC survey
• Proposed changes to Oranga Tamariki oversight
• New documentary on wāhine Māori experiences of pregnancy
• TOAH-NNEST National SV Conference 2024 calling for abstracts
• Videos on privacy related topics
• E Tū Whānau song competition open

NZFVC Quick Reads: 16 May 2024

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

A reminder that our NZFVC 2024 survey is still open but will be closing Friday 17 May 2024. We would like to know what is working well and how we could improve. Please take a few minutes to share your feedback with us.

NZQA accreditation awarded to Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu

The Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu programme has been approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). The training programme is a partnership between Pasefika Proud and The Cause Collective. Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu provides capability training programmes for frontline workers, practitioners and Pacific communities who work with Pacific families affected by family violence on applying Pacific cultural values and practices in their work. See our event listing for upcoming sessions for this annual training.

New report and webinar recording on conversion practices in Aotearoa

A new research report has been published, Conversion practices in Aotearoa New Zealand: Developing a holistic response to spiritual abuse (2024). Te Kāhui Tika Tangata NZ Human Rights Commission, which funded the research, also held a webinar where a panel discussed the report’s findings. The panel included Dr Michael Roguski (Te Āti Awa; Ngāti Tūwharetoa), who co-authored the report with Dr Nicola Atwool. The Human Rights Commission’s Conversion practices webpage contains a number of resources and links to service providers for people working with survivors of conversion practices.