Public Needs to See Report on Domestic Violence

New Zealand First is calling for Social Development Minister Paula Bennett to explain why a Government commissioned report promising solutions to New Zealand’s domestic violence problem by the end of 2013 is still nowhere to be seen.

“Enough lip service – the public needs to see that the Government is doing what they said they would because New Zealand’s record on domestic violence is still appalling,” says Spokesperson for social policy Le’aufa’amulia Asenati Lole-Taylor.

“New Zealand still has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the OECD and the Government should have a clear plan showing how they intend to address this.

“The public needs to know where the report is. The report was due to be presented to cabinet in December last year but it now seems to be delayed indefinitely. That is completely unacceptable.

“Recent news suggests the report was ‘buried’ by the Ministry of Social Development and Ms Bennett needs to come clean about the report’s findings, or lack thereof, and why it has taken so long.

“Domestic violence occurs across all cultures, ethnicities, backgrounds and socio-economic circumstances. New Zealand First believes there should be a comprehensive plan focused on eliminating the threat of domestic violence in our communities.

“Stalling this report is just another example of this Government’s failure to deliver on its promises,” says Mrs Lole-Taylor.

ENDS

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