National Collective Of
Independent Women’s Refuges Inc.

Media Release – 15 September 2009

Judge’s Comments Send The Right Message, Says Women’s Refuge

Women’s Refuge says the comments made by Justice Judith Potter in her sentencing of Clayton Weatherston today, reflect the shocking nature of the killing and the complete lack of remorse demonstrated by Weatherston during the trial.

Heather Henare, Chief Executive of the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges, says “In this trial, we saw the defendant on the stand and we all saw, as the jury did, that he felt justified in his actions and sought to blame his victim.”

“We would like to express our sympathy and absolute respect for Sophie’s family. They have been so honourable and shown such amazing strength through this whole ordeal.”

“No sentence could ever return Sophie Elliott to her family, but we do we feel the Judge’s statements go some way towards acknowledging their loss. They send a message that violence is unacceptable and inexcusable.”

“Justice Potter’s dismissal of Weatherston’s defence argument on the grounds of his mental condition was particularly heartening.”

“Weatherston’s tactics and refusal to take responsibility for his actions were not unusual, but were a classic example of the justifications used by perpetrators of violence every day. Of course, this was a particularly horrific killing, but what was really unusual about this case was that Clayton Weatherston took the stand. The jury, and indeed the whole country, witnessed his self-righteous lack of remorse.”

“I’m sure people right across New Zealand will be feeling for Sophie’s family today and perhaps thinking a little bit about how we might prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.”

Ms Henare says many more women have lost their lives since Sophie died. “On average, fourteen women are killed every year at the hands of their partners, or ex-partners. This year we have seen some terrible cases, children have lost their mothers, families are again mourning their daughters.”
“We cannot let this go on. It is time to really invest in change. New Zealand just cannot afford the social and economic cost of domestic violence any more.”
Ms Henare says, “Women’s Refuge does have solutions and strategies to turn this situation around. Every day, we are helping to save lives and we will continue to provide 24 hour crisis support for victims of domestic violence.”

“We want to be part of more far-reaching initiatives that recognise the problem and promote action to bring about real change at every level.”

“As a country, we must recognise the urgency of this issue and strive for the elimination of violence towards our women, our children and our families.”

Women’s Refuge is New Zealand’s most significant family violence organisation, with a 35 year history of providing comprehensive services for women and children

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