The work of the Taskforce
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Taskforce Meetings - key agreements and achievements
December 2012
Welcome to new Taskforce members
Richard Wood, the Chair of the Taskforce, welcomed the newest Taskforce members Jo Cribb, the new Chief Executive at the Ministry of Woman’s Affairs; Michelle Hippolite, the new Chief Executive for Te Puni Kōkiri; Andrew Crisp, Building and Housing Group at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment; and Tracey Davies for the Ministry of Justice.
Farewell to Judge Peter Boshier
Judge Peter Boshier will finish his role as Principal Family Court Judge to join the Law Commission from 10 December 2012.
Judge Boshier was one of the foundation Taskforce members since July 2005 and has had a strong voice for the prevention of Family Violence. He has been a very pro-active member leading key pieces of work especially the establishment of the specialised Family Violence Courts.
Judge Laurence Ryan has been appointed the Acting Principal Family Court Judge for a period of six months.
Farewell to Tau Huirama
Tau Huirama will end his role as Chief Executive Strategic Relationships at Jigsaw in December and therefore will vacate his role as a Taskforce member.
Tau has been a Taskforce member since August 2007 and over the last five years has shown his passion, leadership and commitment to addressing the issues of violence within families in Aotearoa.
Family Violence Ministerial Group
The Hon Minister Turia attended the 5 December Taskforce meeting to update the Taskforce about decisions the Family Violence Ministerial Group (the Ministerial Group) had made when they met on 26 November 2012. This was the first meeting of the Ministerial Group since the Cabinet Social Policy Committee agreed to reconvene it, on 17 October 2012.
Minister Turia advised that the Ministerial Group agreed to the new Terms of Reference for the Taskforce and endorsed the Taskforce’s Programme of Action 2012/2013.
Terms of Reference: Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families
The new Terms of Reference for the Taskforce reflect and replace the original Terms of Reference, developed in 2005. The Terms of Reference have therefore been modified to ensure a more strategic approach. They also provide for better accountability structures, and reflect current membership.
Taskforce Programme of Action 2012/2013
The Taskforce Programme of Action 2012/2013 recognises that action on family violence is a feature of the Government’s current priority programmes as well as a number of ongoing programmes, and that Taskforce work sits alongside these programmes.
It continues work from the 2011/2012 Programme of Action and includes new priority areas of work with a strong focus on producing evidence that will inform effective investment in family violence interventions.
Pacific Advisory Group update
The work of the Pacific Advisory Group continues with the next phase of Nga vaka o kāiga tapu - A Pacific Conceptual Framework to address family violence in New Zealand. The Framework will be rolled out to each of the seven nations: Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga and Tuvalu.
September 2012
The Voice of Experience: Family Violence - Service User Involvement Guide
The Voice of Experience: Family Violence - Service User Involvement Guide (the Guide) provides valuable guidance on ensuring the views and experiences of domestic violence survivors are central to the delivery of family violence services.
The Guide was commissioned by The Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families to assist agencies, non-government organisations and service providers working within the family violence area to plan, manage and deliver services.
May 2012
Pacific Conceptual Framework
The Pacific Conceptual Framework for family violence, Nga vaka o kāiga tapu - A Pacific Conceptual Framework to address family violence in New Zealand will be used to guide the development of family violence training for Pacific practitioners.
December 2011
Comings and goings on the Taskforce
Richard Wood, the new Chair welcomed the newest Taskforce member Murray Edridge, the new Deputy Chief Executive, Family and Community Services in the Ministry of Social Development.
White Ribbon Day on 25 November 2011
Carl Davidson advised that initial indications point to the most successful White Ribbon Day campaign to date. There was an increased uptake from communities with more than 100 events held all over New Zealand to mark the day this year.
It’s not OK! news
The It’s not OK! advertisements will be back on air for two weeks during December and January, a time when family violence escalates. Both cardboard cut out advertisements will play for one week from 18 December and another week from 15 January. Viewers are directed to the family violence information line 0800 456 450 and website.
The 0800 line operates every day of the year from 9am to 11pm.
October 2011
Richard Wood is the new Chair for the Family Violence Taskforce
Richard Wood is the new Chair of the Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families (the Taskforce). He replaces outgoing Chair Peter Hughes, former Chief Executive of the Ministry of Social Development.
Richard has been a very active member of the Taskforce since its establishment in 2005 and has excellent knowledge of Taskforce business and its achievements and challenges. He has a thorough knowledge of government processes and is highly regarded across the sector.
Richard will be retiring in December from his position as Deputy Chief Executive of Family and Community Services within the Ministry of Social Development. He has worked in the public service for 47 years, and has a history of involvement in family violence prevention.
Richard begins his two-year appointment on 5 December 2011.
Welcome to new Taskforce members
Brendan Boyle, the new Chief Executive for the Ministry of Social Development, and Her Honour Judge Jan-Marie Doogue, the newly appointed Chief District Court Judge, are the newest members to join the Taskforce. Brendan is the new Deputy Chair for the Taskforce.
White Ribbon Day
There are a number of activities planned for the week leading up to White Ribbon Day on 25 November. Details are available at http://whiteribbon.org.nz/
August 2011
Programme of Action 2011/2012
In July 2006, we embarked on our First Programme of Action, based around the four action areas of leadership, changing attitudes and behaviour, ensuring safety and accountability, and effective support services. In December 2007, we built on this by developing our Ongoing Programme of Action, and in June 2010 the Programme of Action for 2010/2011. More recently, the Family Violence Ministerial Group endorsed the Programme of Action for 2011/2012.
The emphasis of the 2011/12 plan is consistent with what has gone before, and is oriented to action. In each of the focus areas outlined below, we have specific measurable actions which will occur during 2011/2012:
1. National and local leadership and co-ordination
2. Evidence-based planning for new initiatives and continuous improvement
3. Inspiring behaviour change and empowering families/whānau to respond
4. Early intervention, crisis response and rebuilding lives.
Family Violence Indicators on-line
The Family Violence Indicators are now on-line. Details are available at:
Farewell to Peter Hughes
Peter Hughes is due to finish his role as Chief Executive, Ministry of Social Development at the end of September 2011. This means Peter will also vacate the role of Chair to the Taskforce. A new Chair is yet to be announced.
June 2011
Programme of Action 2011-2012
Over recent months, the focus of the Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families (the Taskforce) has been the development of the Programme of Action 2011-2012 (POA). The POA is expected to be published with the August update.
Welcome to Ruth Jones
Ruth Jones is the newest member to join the Taskforce and is the disability representative. Ruth is a consultant at Kanohi ki te Kanohi Consultancy and is based in Papanui, Christchurch. In February 2011, Taskforce members agreed that a disability representative join the Taskforce. The disability community chose Ruth as their representative.
Farewell to Dr John Angus
Dr John Angus is due to finish his role as Children’s Commissioner at the end of June 2011. The Taskforce members thanked John for his commitment to the work of the Taskforce and his leadership and determination to address the issues of child maltreatment.
April 2011
Programme of Action 2011-2012
The Taskforce for Action on Violence with Families’ Programme of Action 2011-2012 will run from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012 to align with the fiscal year.
Family violence in ethnic communities
The Office of Ethnic Affairs reported on key themes from the two-day Ethnic Conference on 1 and 2 April. The conference discussed critical issues about New Zealand’s growing ethnic diversity. For family violence, loss of face was identified as a major issue – being a victim of family violence was seen by some as bringing shame upon the whole family, and for some male migrants, loss of their former identity and status as the provider and changing gender roles could be a contributor to partner violence. Victims were already often socially isolated and family violence alienated them more.
The Taskforce agreed that the Office of Ethnic Affairs work with other Taskforce members to develop a 12-month plan of action that seeks to address issues of family violence in ethnic communities.
Annual Police crime statistics
On 1 April 2011, NZ Police released two reports:
- Crime Statistics 2010
- Victims of Homicide report
Update on Phase three of the Campaign
The full report for Phase three of the Campaign from its Reach and Retention and Gathering Stories surveys is now completed and is expected to be published in May.
December 2010
Director of Family Violence Appointed
Ruth Herbert has been appointed to the position of Director Family Violence and will take up her new role from 31 January 2011.
One of the key responsibilities of the Director is supporting the work of the Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families.
Topline findings from New Zealand Crime and Safety Survey 2009
The New Zealand Crime and Safety Survey (NZCASS) 2009 results were released on 17 December 2010 by the Ministry of Justice.
Overall crime rates and profile have remained stable over the 2006 and 2009 surveys:
- Assaults and threats continue to be the most common crimes.
- Crime was spread unevenly across the population - 64% did not experience any crime while 6% of adults experienced 54% of all crime.
- In both surveys only 32% of crime identified was reported to the Police.
One important area of change is that the overall proportion of adults who experienced personal crime dropped. Personal crime includes assaults, threats, sexual offences and personal property damage. Within this:
Personal crime by partners
- Incidence rates of these offences by partners has dropped significantly from 22 incidents per 100 people in 2005 to 14 incidents per 100 people in 2008.
- The prevalence rate (estimated number of people victimised at least once) for offences by partners also dropped significantly from 6% in 2005 to 4% in 2008.
Personal crime by people well known to the victim
- The incidence and prevalence rates of offences by people well known to the victim (other family members, ex-partners, other household members and work colleagues are included in this category) were almost unchanged from 2005.
Concentration of risk for personal crime by partners and by people well known to the victim
- Less than 3% of people experienced 88% of all partner offences
- 3% of people experienced 84% of offences by people well known to them.
Who was most likely to experience personal crime by partners and by people well known to the victim? - Those most likely to experience both partner violence and violence by people well known to them were: younger (15-24yrs), Maori, single or in de facto relationships, unemployed or on benefits, living in NZDep5 areas and in privately rented accommodation.
Alcohol and drug use prior to victimisation (victims of assaults and threats)
In the 2009 survey victims stated that:
- in nearly half of all offences (48%) neither the victim nor the offender had been drinking
- offender only was drinking prior to assault in 16% of offences
- both offender and victim were drinking prior to 23% of offences
- 56% of offences offender was not affected by drugs
- offender was affected by drugs in 22% of offences.
The severity of offending in relation to drugs and alcohol is not addressed in these topline findings.
Reporting to Police
- 25% of partner violence is reported to Police (up from 21% last NZCASS)
- 7% of sexual crime is reported to Police
Sexual Violence
- Fewer adults experienced sexual violence (3% in 2005 compared with 2% in 2008)
Update on Phase three of the Campaign
The topline findings for phase three of the Campaign from its Reach and Retention survey and Gathering Stories survey are very positive. The Reach and Retention phone survey (n= 900 people) tested advertising recall and people’s response to the advertisements and actions resulting from these. The Gathering Stories survey is gathering qualitative information from stories (210 to date) gathered from the Reach and Retention phone survey, the Buzz survey and Facebook. Participants are being asked: Who is taking action? What are they doing? and How did they feel about it?
The topline findings from both surveys demonstrate:
- a positive response. Both surveys show solid attitudinal shift, with some changes in behaviour
- one in three people taking some kind of action; people “being brave”
- as with other phases, significant impact considering low level of investment
- high impact – Māori, Pacific, female
- an increase in action taken, personal relevance and knowledge and understanding.
Of particular significance is the fact that one in three people (31%) report taking action as a result of the It’s not OK! advertising (up from 22% in 2008 survey): that’s an increase of nearly 50% in just two years.
There were four emerging themes from Gathering Stories:
- Helpers (those who already help, but are supported by the campaign)
- Emerging helpers (those who help because of the campaign)
- Emerging help seekers (those who have sought help because of the campaign)
- Influencers (this is the smallest group and is yet to be analysed properly)
The Gathering Stories study has identified a significant new group of ‘emerging helpers’ – four in ten respondents. These people are not typically helpers and less likely to help in other areas of life. They are not comfortable talking about family violence and less likely to know what to say or do. Nevertheless, some of these emerging helpers have taken quite major steps.
Full reports from both surveys should be completed by March 2011.
The current It’s not OK! advertisements were on air for the three weeks over Christmas and New Year, in the weeks commencing 19 December, 26 December and 2 January.
Update on Improving Family Violence Inter-Agency Response System
This project aims to build on the strengths of the current Family Violence Inter-agency Response System (FVIARS) and other inter-agency initiatives to develop and trial an integrated community-based response system which involves more providers to help ensure the right kind of response for victims and family/whānau in each situation. There are currently 54 local FVIARS across the country.
FVIARS is an excellent platform to build on but there are also a number of improvements that can be made, specifically:
- common training
- multi-agency partnerships and protocols
- common assessment framework
- monitoring and evaluation
- effective coordination.
There will be a phased approach to develop a more integrated community based response system. Phase one will involve strengthening FVIARS and ensure national consistency at critical points in its processes. Phase two will involve piloting or implementing the improvements nationally. The Advisory Group will report back to the Taskforce on 6 April 2011 on progress.
September 2010
Pacific Programme of Action
In April and May this year a series of fono were held around the country to encourage discussion and thinking about family violence and ways to achieve violence-free Pacific communities in New Zealand. The fono culminated in a national "Champions of Change" fono in June. Key themes from the fono include:
- the importance of culture and identity as a key part of the solution to preventing violence
- the solutions lie within Pacific communities themselves
- communities and leaders from across the pacific are looking at the actions they can take to eliminate violence, and make families and communities safe and nurturing places.
The Pacific Advisory Group will now go back to communities to get communities’ commitment to actions they will take to address family violence.
Update on Phase three of Taskforce Campaign
Since the two new It’s OK to Help television ads screened for 3 weeks from 22 Aug, there has been a big increase in the number of website hits, including the Facebook site, and the number of women asking “Jude” on the website for information and/or advice.
Since the Canterbury earthquake, reported family violence rates in Christchurch have increased. Women's Refuge has attributed this increase to:
- new situations of violence, possibly related to stress, eg sleep and/or housing deprivation
- women who had been in violent relationships letting the violent men back into their lives
- previously closed cases being re-opened – where trauma has been reactivated as a result of the earthquake and violence is re-surfacing.
At the request of Police, the Campaign team developed a booklet including contact numbers for agencies such as Women's Refuge. Police distributed 20,000 booklets.
Update on NZ Crime and Safety Survey 2009
The New Zealand Crime and Safety Survey (NZCASS) 2009 results are due for release by the Ministry of Justice in late November/early December. The response rate for this survey was higher than the 2006 NZCASS, at 70%.
Police Crime Statistics 2009/2010
The Police Crime Statistics for the 2009/2010 fiscal year were released on 1 October 2010. Details are available on the following site.
August 2010
Ongoing Programme of Action 2010/2011
In July 2006, we embarked on our First Programme of Action, based around the four action areas of leadership, changing attitudes and behaviour, ensuring safety and accountability, and effective support services. In December 2007, we built on this by developing our Ongoing Programme of Action. More recently, the Family Violence Ministerial Group endorsed the Programme of Action for 2010/2011.
Whilst the emphasis of the 2010/11 plan is consistent with what has gone before, it is also distinctive. The plan is oriented to action - in each of the focus areas outlined below, we have specific measurable actions which will occur during 2010/2011:
1. Inspiring behaviour change and empowering families/whānau to respond
2. Supporting and encouraging leadership locally
3. Support to improve family violence responses in each community, including developing and trialling an integrated case response model
4. Better integration of justice and social service responses
5. An ongoing evaluative approach and measuring results
Update on phase three of the Campaign
Phase three of the Campaign is focused on “It’s OK to give and receive help”. Two 45-second television advertisements have been developed. The "Angela" advertisement aims to encourage people to take action to help family violence victims and the "Jeff" advertisement speaks to potential helpers and influencers of perpetrators of family violence. The advertisements went to air Sunday 22 August 2010. The ads will run for 5 weeks, from 22 August to mid-October. The plan is to run them again, for between 2-3 weeks, over the Christmas and New Year period.
Change in the way the Taskforce monitors its work
From August 2010, the Taskforce has changed the way it monitors its work. It has moved from using a lengthy and complex reporting template to a simplified A3 traffic light reporting system which provides information at a glance on progress under each action area.
June 2010
Family Violence top social issue for New Zealanders
Family violence has again been identified as the single most important social issue for New Zealanders. A Neilsen survey for the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) shows an increasing number of people, 86% (up from 74%), saying they would like to see increased effort put into reducing family violence.
This is the second time family violence has emerged as the top issue in the MAF surveys. The findings from the latest survey, July to December 2009, are based on 1,201 interviews. Respondents rated reducing family violence as the number one issue New Zealand needs to deal with now and into the future - well ahead of ten other important issues including helping people to stop smoking, getting people active, and protecting New Zealand from unwanted pests and disease
Independent Police Conduct Authority Interim Report
New Zealand Police are developing an action plan to respond to each of the recommendations of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) Interim Report Inquiry into Police Conduct, Practices, Policies and Procedures relating to the Investigation of Child Abuse: Part 1. The draft action plan is due to go to the Police Commissioner for approval shortly.
The next IPCA report is due out later in the year and will focus on individual cases and complaints.
Institute of Public Administration New Zealand award
The Taskforce played an integral role in the work that led to the Institute of Public Administration New Zealand (IPANZ) award received on 18 June. The Ministry of Social Development, jointly with the Families Commission, won the Public Sector Communications and the Supreme Award, for the work on the “It's not OK" Campaign. This work was recognised as bringing family violence out into the open, and making it OK for people experiencing family violence to ask for help.
April 2010
Child and Family Protection Bill
The Child and Family Protection Bill had its first reading in the House on 11 February 2010 and has been referred to Justice and Electoral Committee. The Committee is due to report back to the House on 11 August 2010.
Update on Phase three of the Campaign
The next phase of the Campaign is looking at the practical things people can do to keep each other safe. It is about noticing when things start to go wrong and supporting people to get the help they need. Filming for new TV advertisements is due to start in late June 2010.
Publications in April 2010
Campaign for Action on Family Violence: Four Research Reports
- Attitudes, Values, and Beliefs about Violence within Families: 2008 Survey
- Community Study Summary Report
- An innovative approach to changing social attitudes around family violence in New Zealand
- Report on giving, receiving and seeking help.
Family violence is a significant social problem in New Zealand causing economic, social and health problems for victims and witnesses of violence. It is estimated to cost the country $1.2 billion per annum. The Taskforce for Action on Family Violence ‘It's not OK' Campaign is an initiative that aims to change how New Zealanders think about and act towards family violence. The Campaign uses a social marketing approach based on a mass media campaign and community action.
Campaign for Action on Family Violence: Impact of the 'It's not OK' television advertisements
The Ministry of Social Development undertook three surveys between December 2007 and September 2008 to measure the reach and retention of the Campaign for Action on Family Violence ‘It's not OK' television advertisements. Two phases of ads have run with a total of 2,695 New Zealanders taking part in these telephone surveys. Results show how well the 'It's not OK' ads reach people, influence attitudes and change behaviour.
Learning from Tragedy: Homicide within Families in New Zealand 2002-2006
This report provides the first complete picture of homicide within families in New Zealand. It found that there were 141 homicides perpetrated by a member of the victim's family, intimate partner or ex-partner in New Zealand between 2002 and 2006.
December 2009
Domestic Violence Act 1995 Review
The Domestic Violence (Enhancing Safety) Bill was passed into legislation on 21 October 2009. The amendments in the Domestic Violence (Enhancing Safety) Bill have now been split out into three amendment acts – the Domestic Violence Amendment Act 2009, the Sentencing Amendment Act 2009 (No 2) and the Bail Amendment Act 2009 (No 2). Some provisions came into force on Royal Assent, but two key proposals that will not be implemented until 1 July 2010 are the ability for Police to issue Police Safety Orders and the Criminal Courts being able to issue a protection order when sentencing an offender for a domestic violence offence.
October 2009
Family Violence Ministerial Group
On 25 August 2009, Hon Tariana Turia, the Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment, established the Family Violence Ministerial Group. The Ministerial Group met on 21 September 2009 and endorsed the Taskforce and its programme. The Ministerial Group will meet quarterly to provide oversight to a whole-of-government approach to preventing violence within families.
Attitude and Behaviour Change
Research into the effectiveness of the Campaign has shown that it has raised awareness about family violence. The research also showed that although people want to take action they don't know what to do. The next phase of the Campaign would therefore focus on giving and receiving help.
August 2009
Family Violence Ministerial Group
The Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment, Minister Turia has signalled she will be establishing a Family Violence Ministerial Group.
Community Response Fund
The first round of funding closed on 3 July 2009. Just under 300 applications were received. Funding is being allocated via a panel process which is due to conclude in mid August. The second funding round opened on 6 July and is due to close on 25 September 2009.
June 2009
Community Response Fund
The Community Response Fund was announced by The Minister for Social Development and Employment, on 20 May 2009. The fund, up to $40 million in the first year, will be to support those community and voluntary sector organisations facing cost and demand pressures to deliver vital social services.
Family Violence Campaign
The Government has allocated a further $1 million in funding for the Campaign through Budget 2009. The Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment has indicated that the focus of the Campaign going forward will be strengths-based and action-focused. The Campaign will move toward more positive messages about what individuals can do to support themselves and others.
April 2009
2008 calendar year Police crime statistics
The latest Police crime statistics were released on 1 April 2009.
Taskforce progress
The Taskforce discussed the importance of measuring progress over time. They also talked about different ways of working to maximise efforts to eliminate family violence.
The Ministry of Justice Domestic Violence work
In the new Government’s first 100 days, the Ministry of Justice have been working on the Domestic Violence (Enhancing Safety) Bill and the Sentencing (Offender Levy) Bill.
Delegation for Family Violence
Minister Tariana Turia, as Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment, has been delegated full responsibility for the Government’s response to addressing, and reducing the impact of, family violence. Announced on 31 March 2009.
Farewell for Dr Cindy Kiro
Dr Kiro is due to finish her role as Children’s Commissioner at the end of April 2009. Taskforce members thanked her for her determination, leadership and tenacity.
December 2008
Local Government Family Violence Initiatives
The Campaign for Action on Family Violence is working with a number of local government bodies to promote the Campaign message. Examples of this include Waitakere City billboards and local news spreads, and a march and violence-free day in Nelson/Tasman.
Campaign for Action on Family Violence
Additional resources for the Campaign have been developed. Some messages of change that were recently filmed will be placed on the Are you OK? website.
Elder Abuse and Neglect
The Ministry of Social Development and Age Concern outlined the work that has been done and is continuing on elder abuse neglect prevention, and presented the proposed priorities for further action.
October 2008
The Campaign for Action on Family Violence
An overview of positive Campaign related initiatives was given, including working with local government and sports teams nationwide. The Campaign has now been in action for over a year, since September 2007.
The Family Violence Disability Coalition
Information on the Coalition was given to the Taskforce. The Coalition is working to eliminate violence against disabled people.
The Police Family Violence Policy Review
The review will reflect the changing knowledge and practices within police in relation to family violence and provide a single point of reference for police officers.
2007/2008 Fiscal Year Crime Statistics
The latest crime statistics were discussed.
Australia and New Zealand Police Family Violence Strategy
The New Zealand Police Commissioner and all Police Commissioners from across Australia have signed up to a common family violence strategy. The strategy is complementary to the Taskforce’s programmes of action.
Child Maltreatment Prevention Work Programme
Information on the key projects was given, which include Health, Social Services and Education sector initiatives, as well as working with communities and response to neglect. The Taskforce agreed the work programme.
August 2008
Maori Programme of Action
The draft Maori Programme of Action was agreed by the Taskforce. This programme was developed by the Maori Reference Group, whose vision is "Whanau-Ora for all whanau members arising from strength, safety, identity, integrity and prosperity".
Pacific Programme of Action
The draft Pacific Programme of Action was agreed by the Taskforce. This programme was developed by the Pacific Advisory Group.
Taskforce agencies will identify the specific actions they will lead and support in both the Maori Programme of Action and the Pacific Programme of Action.
Child Maltreatment Prevention Programme of Action
The work programme was presented, including an overview of the strategy for implementation and a brief description of the nine work projects. The Taskforce agreed that child maltreatment prevention be a strategic priority.
Te Rito Family Violence Strategy
The NGO Alliance has undertaken a review of the implementation of Te Rito. It was noted that Te Rito is still very visible in the community. It was agreed that the Taskforce would hold an additional meeting to discuss this review and the next steps to be taken.
Farewell for Dr Rajen Prasad
Dr Prasad finished his role as Chief Families Commissioner on 8 August 2008. Taskforce members thanked him for his contribution and leadership.
April 2008
Child Abuse Programme of Action
The Taskforce's Ongoing Programme of Action includes the development of a strategy to prevent child abuse/maltreatment. The Taskforce agreed a process and approach for developing the strategy.
Maori Reference Group (MRG) Family Violence Whanau Summit
MRG is an advisory group to the Taskforce. On 3-4 April 2008 they held a Family Violence Whanau Summit in the Waikato which was hosted by Tainui and King Tuheitia. The summit confirmed that the safety and well-being of Māori whanau is a priority and identified actions to eliminate and prevent family violence in Māori communities.
Review of the Domestic Violence Act
The Taskforce acknowledged the importance and complexity of this work and the need to consult the NGO sector as much as possible, given the tight timeframes for this work.
Campaign for Action on Family Violence
The Taskforce agreed to undertake formative research on child abuse which considers the impact of family violence on women. The Taskforce will consider this information when agreeing the focus for the campaign's next phase.
