Proposed changes to Family Violence laws: July 10, 2019

The Auckland Women’s Centre is an organisation working in the area of primary prevention for sexual assault, as well as family and sexual violence. This means community education and support groups to enhance women’s self esteem, coordinating a group of preventing violence agencies, and making submissions to government. Recently, the Family Violence laws have been reformed, something that Green Party MP Jan Logie, the Under-Secretary to the Minister of Justice for domestic and sexual violence issues has been working on for a while. The law expands the definition of family violence to include coercive and controlling behaviour, but proving that could be challenging. Under the wider definition, police will consider more factors when issuing a protection order such as the abuse of pets, withholding care and dowry abuse. Sherry Zhang spoke with Auckland Women’s Centre Manager Leonie Morris about the changes.

CW: The interview discusses sexual and family violence and assault, as well as court processes that are known to re-traumatise survivors of such violence. And if you or anyone you know needs to speak to someone regarding sexual or domestic violence, you can call HELP which is a 24/7 helpline on 09 623 1700 or Safe To Talk, also a 24/7 helpline on 0800 044 334, or Shine between 9am and 11pm 7 days a week on 0508 744 633.