Press Release

Royal Commission on Family Breakdown Family Violence and Child Abuse Urgent

The Kiwi Party Leader Larry Baldock said today that Police Statistics released yesterday make the completion of his petition calling a referendum for urgent action to understanding and addressing the wider causes of Family Breakdown, Family Violence and Child abuse absolutely critical.

"Over the past 13 months we have been collecting signatures for two referenda. Most of the focus has been on the first petition which was to give every New Zealander a chance to voice their opposition to the ill conceived and shallow attempt to address child abuse by banning smacking and interfering with the parental authority of the majority of good parents in this country", said Mr Baldock.

"But we were always just as concerned about the dysfunction occurring in too many of our families across this country. We hope to achieve sufficient signatures before the new deadline for the second petition to force a referendum that would allow us all to indicate our support for a Royal Commission that would take a comprehensive look at what is happening to the foundations of our families in this country and to produce sensible recommendations on how to address our growing social problems".

The Police Statistics released yesterday reveal a 12.3 per cent increase in violent crimes in 2007 - up by 6000 offences - almost all of them relating to family violence and the figures also show a 31.5 per cent rise in recorded domestic violence.

The figures make the Kiwi Party's plans for a Royal Commission absolutely relevant and essential.

Kiwi Party Leader Larry Baldock calls on all Kiwis to assist by signing the remaining petition 'urging the Government to understand and address the wider causes of Family Breakdown, family violence and Child abuse.'
For more information and the petition forms, plus draft terms of reference for the Royal Commission go to:

http://thekiwiparty.org.nz/web/pdf//Intro_&_%20Petition_%20plus_Draft_Terms_for_Royal_Commission.pdf

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