According to Justice Minister Amy Adams, Government initiatives to reduce New Zealand's horrific family violence track-record have proven beneficial.
This morning Adams launched a review into New Zealand's family violence legislation.
She says “Just over a year ago, this Government made a firm commitment to push back against the scourge of family and sexual violence,”
“The level of family violence in New Zealand is appalling. Last year alone, more than 100,000 incidents were reported to Police –around one every five minutes. What’s more, nearly half of all homicides and reported violent crimes are family violence-related.
“The legislation review is one of many ways we’re striving to get victims the help they need, hold perpetrators to account, and stop family violence from happening in the first place.”
Just recently, Adams as well as Social Development Minister Anne Tolley announced a new Ministerial work programme that is focused on improving the Government's overall system for addressing family violence and sexual violence.
At this morning's media session, Adams spoke of the high number of Māori who endure family violence on a yearly basis. She believes iwi organisations have to be a part of the solution and thinking or else no change will be made.