Hon Peter Dunne

Associate Minister of Health

25 February 2016

Embargoed till 4.30am Media Statement

Ambitious family violence report welcomed

Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne is welcoming the release of the Family Violence Death Review Committee’s (FVDRC) Fifth Report, which calls for agencies to work together better on preventing family violence. Mr Dunne is the Minister responsible for the Health Quality & Safety Commission. The FVDRC is an independent committee that reviews and advises the Commission on how to reduce the number of family violence deaths.

The FVDRC report identifies how the family violence workforce can be strengthened and work together better. It also calls upon agencies to take more responsibility for the safety of family violence victims, rather than expecting victims to keep themselves safe from abusive partners.

“I commend the Committee for taking a long-sighted approach to the family violence problem in New Zealand. This report highlights many ways agencies can work together to address the country’s unacceptably high rate of violence. It supports the work being carried out by the Ministerial Group on Family Violence and Sexual Violence, led by Ministers Adams and Tolley, and involving the input of many Government agencies”, says Mr Dunne.

Since 2002, the Ministry of Health’s Violence Intervention Programme has trained health practitioners to identify intimate partner violence and child abuse

“Health services – such as GPs and emergency care – are an area many victims and people perpetrating family violence use routinely. The FVDRC report also suggests ways the sector can build on the Violence Intervention Programme and ensure those who seek our assistance get a lasting response”, Mr Dunne said

For help or to talk to someone

If any of the issues raised here are personal for you and you would like to talk to someone, you can contact the following services for information or help. They are all free.

New Zealand Police

111

If you have immediate safety concerns for yourself or anyone else, dial 111 and ask for Police.

Are You Ok? Helpline

0800 456 450

The helpline can provide you with information and put you in touch with services in your own region for those experiencing or perpetrating family violence. The helpline operates every day of the year and is open from 9am to 11pm.

Child, Youth & Family

0508 FAMILY 0508 326 459

Fax: 09 914 1211 Email: cyfcallcentre@cyf.govt.nz

If you think a child is in immediate danger – phone the Police on 111. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, or are worried about a child or young person, you can call our free phone number 24 hours a day, any day of the year, and talk to one of our social workers. You can also send a notification to us by fax or email.

Women’s Refuge

0800 REFUGE, 0800 733 843

If you’re a victim or are concerned about someone you know, you can call Women’s Refuge helpline for information, advice and support about family violence. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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