NATIONAL COLLECTIVE of
INDEPENDENT WOMEN’S REFUGES INC.

15 APRIL 2008

Death Review Committee A Critical Tool

Women’s Refuge says the establishment of a Family Violence Death Review Committee provides a critical opportunity for identifying changes to help prevent deaths and reduce domestic violence.

The Chief Executive of the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges, Heather Henare, says Cabinet’s approval for the committee is an important step in the ongoing campaign to reduce family violence.

“Women’s Refuge has been advocating for this for a long time.”

“This committee will be able to take a very close and thorough look at any situation where there’s been a death.”

“From its review, it will be able to make recommendations for changes to systems and practices that could help prevent further deaths.”

Ms Henare says the death toll every year from domestic violence, which on average includes 14 women and ten children, is horrific.

“Any death is an absolute tragedy, but we simply add to that tragedy if we do not take the lessons from it and ensure they are applied.”

“It’s going to be vital the committee has the support and the interagency co-operation to ensure its recommendations are acted upon.”

Ms Henare is a member of the Taskforce for Action on Violence Within Families that recommended setting up the committee.

ENDS

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