Government Talk On Domestic Violence Survivors Not Matched By Action

Labour welcomes today’s release of the discussion paper by survivors of domestic violence, but questions the Government’s response in light its continual stalling on key domestic violence reforms, says the party’s Justice spokesperson Lianne Dalziel.

The paper ‘ Protecting Victims, Rebuilding Lives, Sending the Right Message’ was written by the lobby group ‘It’s STILL not ok!’ spearheaded by those who have experienced domestic violence.

“It highlights some significant questions in regard to the adequacy of support given to those trying to escape domestic violence and trying to successfully rehabilitate themselves and their families once they have left an abusive relationship,” Lianne Dalziel said.

“Labour’s Victims Rights spokesperson Lynne Pillay and I will be meeting with the group to discuss the recommendations further.

“However I’m somewhat sceptical about the supportive comments made by the Government today, in light of its decision to allow the Domestic Violence Reform Bill to continue to languish at the bottom of the parliamentary Order Paper.

“This Bill, introduced by the Labour-led Government, makes a number of significant reforms which are not addressed by other domestic violence legislation currently being considered,” Lianne Dalziel said.

“In particular the Bill, which was the result of extensive consultation, would have made a range of improvements in regard to protection orders, which are identified as a key area for reform in today’s report,” Lynne Pillay said.

“If the Government was truly serious about addressing the issues raised in this report, it would start by fast-tracking this legislation.”

ENDS

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