Vine Quick Reads: 19 October 2026

Vine Quick Reads: 19 October 2026

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

Te Ao Māori toolkit to support and strengthen addressing women’s homelessness released

Dr Kathie Irwin, commissioned by the Coalition to End Women’s Homelessness (CEWH), has developed the Papatūānuku Paradigm. This gender analysis toolkit uses a Te Ao Māori lens to support the work of CEWH and the wider sector in addressing the complex issue of women’s homelessness in Aotearoa.

UN call for inputs on climate change and the rights of women and girls

The UN Working Group on discrimination against women and girls is calling for inputs to the 2027 thematic report on climate change and the rights of women and girls. The report will examine the differentiated impacts of climate change on women and girls, including the ways in which climate change interacts with and exacerbates pre-existing gender inequalities and discrimination. For key questions and ways to submit, see the link above.

Submission deadline: 31 October 2026.

UN call for inputs on the human rights of migrants with disabilities

The UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities is calling for inputs to the upcoming thematic report on the rights of persons with disabilities. The report will examine experiences of persons with disabilities across all stages of migration and the intersection of disability and migration from a human rights perspective, including risks they face, protection gaps, and existing research and understanding limitations. For key questions and ways to submit, see the link above.

Submission deadline: 31 October 2026.

New research on victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) and emergency housing in Aotearoa

Ngā Whare Whakaruruhau o Aotearoa | National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges have released Tightening the gateway to emergency accommodation or closing the door to safety? Victims of intimate partner violence and the emergency housing system in Aotearoa. This report, part of Women’s Refuge’s broader research project Safer When, Safer How?, explores how IPV dismantles women’s access to housing, and the role housing policy plays in either enabling or disabling victims’ safety during attempts to separate from an abusive partner.

Respect Victoria release evidence review of gendered violence early interventions

Respect Victoria have released Evidence Review: Early intervention in the context of gendered violence. This scoping review of practice and research literature examines early intervention in gendered violence and its interplay with primary prevention efforts. The findings from the review, including key practice principles for design, can be used to inform government prevention and early intervention policy, and the design and implementation of programs and activities.

Netsafe and ignite Aotearoa launch sextortion victim support pathway

Netsafe and ignite Aotearoa have launched the Digital Harm Support Pathway pilot to provide free counselling and wellbeing support to victims of online sextortion, image-based abuse and tech facilitated harm. Netsafe can now refer people who have reported online harm to specialist ignite counsellors, where each person can access up to three funded sessions, with no GP referral, waitlist or cost to them. Results from the pilot will be used to build the case for a permanent, funded and scaled service.

Anyone experiencing online harm can contact Netsafe on 0508 NETSAFE or at netsafe.org.nz/report.

Years 11-13 relationships and sexuality curriculum released

Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga | Ministry of Education has released the updated New Zealand Curriculum for Years 11 to 13. The Curriculum’s relationships and sexuality component can be found within the Health and Physical Education section and covers topics such as consent, inclusive communities, sexual health and sexual relationships.