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A new website has been launched to assist workplaces to address family violence. The website was developed by the Human Rights Commission and seven large New Zealand employers.
The website, www.businessworkingtoendfamilyviolence.co.nz, provides information to support workplaces develop and implement a family violence workplace policy. This includes:
- Background information
- What to include in a policy
- Where to get external support
- What to think about when implementing a policy
- How to get started
- Resources, research and examples.
A family violence workplace policy template is also available. The template has been developed by seven of New Zealand’s largest employers (The Warehouse Group, ANZ NZ, Countdown, Vodafone NZ, Fonterra, Ricoh New Zealand, and EY) and the Human Rights Commission. The template includes three options or levels of provisions to address family violence.
Human Rights Commission Equal Opportunities Commissioner Dr Jackie Blue said:
“The model policy is a template that offers employers three levels of choices for a family violence policy. By choosing among the best-practice options, every employer can create a family violence policy that works for their staff and workplace.
Family violence doesn’t respect boundaries between home and the workplace. Ensuring that the affected employee is safe and supported at work is good for productivity and morale. It will also help break the cycle of abuse by providing safe haven where employees can gain confidence and take steps to break the abusive cycle."
The model policy and other website material will be updated as required to meet any new requirements of the Domestic Violence - Victims’ Protection Bill that is currently before Parliament.
Related news
The Domestic Violence - Victims' Protection Bill passed the Committee of the whole House on 27 June 2018. The National Party has dropped their support for the bill. The bill is now awaiting its third reading in Parliament. The bill would enhance workplace protections for victims of domestic violence by amending five Acts. Media reported the bill is expected to come up for third reading in late July.
For background information, see our most recent news stories on the domestic violence workplace legislation:
Justice Committee reports on domestic violence workplace protections bill
Submissions open on domestic violence workplace bill; new research on economic abuse.
Further information
Support for employers to address family violence as a workplace issue is also available from:
- Shine's DVFREE - offers a range of services including consulting on policy development, awareness raising activity and training for staff
- Women's Refuge's Responsive Workplaces - offers consultation, advice, support, guidance, and expert knowledge to assist organisations to develop policies
For research about supporting victims in the workplace and Aotearoa New Zealand, see NZFVC Issues Paper #7: Intimate partner violence and the workplace (2014).
Selected and related media
All businesses will benefit from the Domestic Violence Bill, Press Release: Shine, Scoop, 29.06.2018
Bill to allow domestic violence victims 10 days leave close to passing, Māori Television, 28.06.2018
Domestic violence bill will pass without National support, Stuff, 28.06.2018
Domestic violence bill unfair to small businesses - National, One News, 28.06.2018
Step forward for Bill giving 10 days' leave to domestic violence victims, Newshub, 27.06.2018
The Social Policy Evaluation and Research Unit (Superu) is to close permanently on 30 June 2018.
Since 2014, Superu's role has been to work with decision-makers in the social sector around having good-quality evidence to help solve complex social issues. This has included: generating evidence to help decision-makers understand complex social issues and what works to address them, sharing evidence of what works with the people who make decisions on social services, and supporting decision-makers to use evidence to make better decisions to improve social outcomes.
Formerly, Superu was known as the Families Commission, which was established in 2004 to advocate on behalf of families.
Going forward, previous Superu publications will be available online through The Hub website as well as the National Library.
Superu set up the The Hub website which catalogues more than 6500 pieces of government social science research dating back to 2000. The Social Investment Agency (the Social Wellbeing Agency from March 2020) will take over responsibility for The Hub. Links to The Hub on this page have been updated.
The Families Commission / Superu managed the government contract for the New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse (NZFVC) from 2011-2017. NZFVC contract management has now been transferred to the Ministry of Justice.
Management of the government contract for the Growing Up in New Zealand longitudinal study has been transferred to the Ministry for Social Development, as has the 'Families and whānau wellbeing research programme.'
For more information about Superu, see the Briefing to the Incoming Minister for Social Development, 26 October 2017 and the final Families Commission / Superu annual report to 30 June 2018.
The previous Government's decision to disestablish Superu was announced in 2017. The disestablishment was formalised through the Families Commission Act Repeal Bill which received Royal Assent on 25 May 2018.
As a final event, Superu co-hosted Toi Tū Te Whānau, Toi Tū Te Kāwai Whakapapa: A workshop on whānau and whakapapa for public policy with Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, in Wellington on 29 May 2018.
Selected media
Over and out from Superu and the Families Commissioner, Press Release: Superu, Scoop, 29.06.2018
A te reo Māori resource guide for a kaupapa Māori sexuality education programme has been developed by Te Whāriki Takapo.
Te Ira Tangata is a sexuality education programme for students at total immersion Kura Kaupapa Māori schools. The programme involves eight sessions in Years 7 and 8 students. The programme "... draws upon mātauranga Māori [Māori knowledge] understandings of te pūhuruhurutanga [puberty] and te tuakiri o te tamaiti [children or young's peoples identity]".
The programme resource guide outlines the content for each of the eight weeks including activities. The guide includes links to freely available electronic resources to support kura and kaiako (teachers) to deliver the programme.
Te Whāriki Takapo worked alongside kaiako (teachers), whānau, and Māori community experts to design, teach and evaluate the programme. The programme is available to download for free. Teachers are encouraged to customise the programme so that it meets local requirement.
The Project Leader is Dr Joeliee Seed-Pihama (Te Atiawa, Taranaki). For questions or comments contact joeliee@tewhariki.org.nz.
Te Whāriki Takapou provides Māori sexual and reproductive health promotion and research services. Other resources available from Te Whāriki Takapo include:
- Te Aitanga a Tiki, a collection of Māori and English language resources sourced from Māori knowledge that relate to sexual and reproductive health.
- Mana Tangata Whenua: National Guidelines for Sexual and Reproductive Health Promotion with Māori (2016) - includes videos, links and practical exercises to support understanding and applying the guidelines.
Related news
Aotearoa New Zealand's first indigenous leadership summit, Te Ara Moana, will be held in Auckland in July. Te Ara Moana is a youth lead initiative, designed, facilitated and evaluated by rangatahi Māori. Workshops will be held during the event to work on impactful solutions in five key areas: youth suicide, diversity, environment, freedom from addiction and cyber bullying.
Related research, resources and programmes
Indigenous (Māori) sexual health psychologies in New Zealand: Delivering culturally congruent sexuality education by University of Auckland academics Jade Le Grice and Virginia Braun (2017) looks at decolonising notions of Māori sexuality, relationships and reproduction. This research utilises an Indigenous feminist (Mana Wāhine) methodology and interviews with Māori participants to "explore how Māori knowledges (mātauranga Māori), responsive to the surrounding colonising context, were interwoven through four themes: relationships, reproductive responsibility, open conversations about sexuality and contraceptive education."
'Hooked up': Te hononga whaiāipo: Reducing and preventing violence in taitamariki Māori intimate partner relationships (Dr Moana Eruera, 2015) reports on an indigenous whānau violence prevention study that explored the supports that taitamariki Māori (Māori young people) identified would assist them to develop healthy intimate partner relationships.
Growing up Takatāpui: Whānau Journeys, by Dr Elizabeth Kerekere, Tīwhanawhana Trust and RainbowYOUTH, is an English language resource that provides support and information for takatāpui rangatahi (sexuality and gender diverse youth) and their whānau.
Related media
BANG! Season 2 Episode 6: Takatāpui, Radio NZ, 02.07.2018
Young migrants want better, earlier teaching about sexual consent in NZ, NZ Herald, 08.06.2018
Five minutes with: a Kaupapa Māori researcher, Newsroom, 24.05.2018
All teachers share responsibility for sex education, let's support them, Stuff, 22.05.2018
The Ministry of Social Development's (MSD) latest email update for Family Violence and Sexual Violence Service Providers covers a number of areas of work.
The June 2018 update provides news about MSD's sexual violence service development and the new work programme on family violence services.
The update includes:
- Safe to talk – He pai ki te korero has had its offical launch. Posters are now available to promote the helpline. For more information see the FAQ for service providers.
- As part of the Government's 2018 budget, $76.157 million of additional funding over four years was announced to support MSD-funded family violence services for victims, perpetrators and their families. See MSD news for more information.
- Progress continues on the new work programme to strengthen family violence services. Meetings have been held with service providers to gather feedback. The next step will be a confidential survey sent to providers who deliver family violence services. After that, the Government intends to work with communities and the sector to co-design a funding strategy. For more information see MSD's website on the work programme or find out how providers can get involved.
- The Sexual Harm Crisis Support Service Guidelines have been updated based on the first review. All contracted service providers should have received an updated version and the new Reporting Guide. According to the update, "The key changes are the removal of the Transition clause, reference to any Individual Client Level Data (ICLD) and a new Client Feedback template."
- Malatest International has met with MSD-funded sexual violence providers and provided a draft report to the Ministry for review. Te Ohaakii a Hine-National Network Ending Sexual Violence Together (TOAH-NNEST) Tauiwi Caucus and Malatest International have held workshops about the evaluation findings and to discuss next steps. Malatest is still conducting a Specialist Sexual Harm Services: Annual Workforce Survey.
- The Government is holding public hui across the country to get feedback on the government’s approach to investing in social wellbeing and the protection and use of personal information. You can also provide feedback through two online surveys on Investing for social wellbeing and Data protection and use.
For more information
Read all past updates and sign up to receive future updates on the MSD website. For questions about sexual violence service development email CI_Sexual_Violence_Services@msd.govt.nz and about the family violence work programme contact Family_Violence_CPP@msd.govt.nz
Also see our past news stories:
Family and Sexual Violence Work Programme update, April 2018
MSD announces work to strengthen funding and delivery of family violence services
Budget 2018: Funding for family and sexual violence response, central agent
New Government funding for family violence services
Government consultation on use of data and social wellbeing strategy
'Safe to Talk' sexual harm and violence helpline launched nationwide
Related media
Opinion - Jarrod Gilbert: Crime is sophisticated, prevention needs to be too, NZ Herald, 05.07.2018
In May, Minister for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni announced an expert advisory group to undertake a broad-ranging review of the welfare system.
The Welfare Expert Advisory Group (WEAG) will report to Government on "ways to ensure people have an adequate income and standard of living, are treated with respect, can live in dignity, and are able to participate meaningfully in their communities."
The Beehive media release includes links to a Fact Sheet, Frequently Asked Questions and the Terms of Reference.
The role of the WEAG includes giving advice on:
- amendments to the purpose and principles of the Social Security Act 1964
- other changes to ensure the system achieves the Government’s vision for the welfare system
- changes to benefit sanctions
- improving Working for Families
- areas where the interface between the welfare system and other systems need to be improved such as: ACC, education and training, housing, health and justice
Carmel Sepuloni said:
"Areas that the Welfare Expert Advisory Group has been asked to focus on range from considering the overall purpose of the system, through to specific recommendations on the current obligations and sanctions regime."
The Welfare Expert Advisory Group is to report back in February 2019.
Radio NZ reported that the government planned to unveil some immediate changes to the welfare system in June ahead of the group reporting back, and that work had already begun preparing to remove a sanction on some solo parents and reducing abatement rates.
An overhaul of the welfare system was initiated as part of the Labour Party's confidence and supply agreement with the Green Party.
Update: The Ministry of Social Development has published a new report looking at what happens to people who left the benefit system following the previous benefit reforms.
Members of the Welfare Expert Advisory Group
Professor Cynthia (Cindy) Kiro (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine) will chair the group. Among her roles at the University of Auckland, she is Te Tumu responsible for Māori/indigenous education in the Faculty of Education at the University of Auckland. Professor Kiro established the Taskforce for Action on Family Violence when she was the Children's Commissioner. Find some of her publications in the NZFVC library.
Professor Innes Asher is a Paediatrician and a Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Auckland. Professor Asher is a committee member and health spokesperson for the Child Poverty Action Group.
Kay Brereton is a senior advocate at the Beneficiaries and Unwaged Workers Trust and Co-Convenor of the National Beneficiary Advocates Consultative Group.
Dr Huhana Hickey (Ngāti Tahinga, Tainui, Ngāi Tai) is a research fellow in Taupua Waiora Centre for Māori Health Research at AUT University. She sits on the NZ Human Rights Review Tribunal and is the Chair of the Auckland Council Disability Strategic Advisory Panel. She was a member of the Expert Advisory Group on Family Violence and a speaker at a recent #metoo forum.
Professor Tracey McIntosh (Ngāi Tūhoe) is the Head of Department for Sociology at the University of Auckland and on the Academic Advisory Group of the NZ Family Violence Clearinghouse. She was awarded the Te Rangi Hīroa Medal by the Royal Society Te Apārangi for her research on stopping the intergenerational transfer of social inequality. Professor McIntosh has also worked on research to support evidence based family violence. She was co-chair of the Children’s Commissioner’s Expert Advisory Group on Solutions to Child Poverty. Some of her publications are available in the NZFVC library.
Dr Ganesh Nana is the Chief Economist at Business and Economic Research Limited (BERL), a private research and consultancy business.
Phil O’Reilly is the Chair of the Board of Business at OECD, (a representation of businesses in OECD member states) and a member of the APEC Business Advisory Council. He has acted in a governance or advisory capacity in a range of areas including pay equity and child poverty.
Robert Reid is currently Honorary President of FIRST Union, and he served as the General Secretary of FIRST Union for 9 years until November 2017. He was part of the Beneficiary Advocates Advisory Group established by Hon Steve Maharey as Minister of Social Development from 1999 to 2002.
Trevor McGlinchey is the Executive Officer for the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services. He has written about the Government's approach to social sector funding and the collection of individual client level data.
Latayvia Tualasea Tautai is a young Pacific leader from Auckland. She is studying conjoint Law and Arts Degrees, majoring in Pacific Studies and Political Studies. She has lived experience of the welfare system and is the youth leader on the PACIFICA Inc West Auckland Executive.
Charles Waldegrave is the founder of the Family Centre 1979 and the Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit 1991. He is currently the Family Centre’s co-director of Re:Source and the Research Leader at the Social Policy Research Unit. Some of his publications are available in our library.
Several members of the group have worked or done research in the areas of family violence and child abuse, including overlaps with poverty, welfare and benefit sanctions. The group also includes people with lived experience of using the welfare system.
Research and resources on links between family violence, welfare and poverty
Below is a selection of resources on the links between violence and poverty, as well as issues with how the welfare system responds to victims of intimate partner violence.
Kathryn's Story: How the Government spent well over $100,000 and 15 years pursuing a chronically-ill beneficiary mother for a debt she should not have (2016) by Catriona MacLennan and the Child Poverty Action Group (see our news story for a summary of the report)
Making a moral panic - ‘Feral families’, family violence and welfare reforms in New Zealand: Doing the work of the state? (2015) by Liz Beddoe published in the book Moral Panics in Theory and Practice: Gender and Family
The complexities of relationship in the welfare system and the consequences for children (2014) by Susan St John, published by Child Poverty Action Group
The relationship between poverty, child abuse and neglect: An evidence review from the UK Joseph Rowntree Foundation (2016)
Child abuse: what role does poverty play (2013) from the Child Poverty Action Group
When Crises Collide: How Intimate Partner Violence and Poverty Intersect to Shape Women’s Mental Health and Coping? (2009) published in Trauma Violence Abuse, 10(4): 306-329.
For more information search the NZFVC library under poverty and see the Child Poverty Action Group for regular updates.
Update: The Australia based National Social Security Rights Network has published How well does Australia’s social security system support victims of family and domestic violence? (2018).
Related news
Government is currently seeking feedback on the proposed approach to "investing for social wellbeing," and a policy for the protection and use of personal information.
The Government has also started work on developing a Child Wellbeing Strategy.
Update: A High Court decision has ruled that MSD was wrong to classify loans and credit card debit as sources of income.
Update: Stats NZ is inviting public feedback on the development of well-being indicators called Indicators Aotearoa New Zealand.
Selected and related media
Social Security legislation now easier to understand, Beehive Press Release, 18.09.2018
Benefit number obsession counterproductive, Waatea News, 14.09.2018
Subsequent child rules: 'I did not understand how they could take baby', Radio NZ, 06.07.2018
20% of benefit fraud tip-offs have some legitimacy, Radio NZ, 04.07.2018
Court wipes MSD loan policy, Waatea News, 04.07.2018
A heartfelt letter penned by "Ms F", Child Poverty Action Group website, 04.07.2018
Solo mum's loans were not income - High Court ruling, Radio NZ, 03.07.2018
Winz is meant to help the vulnerable, not hound them through the courts, The Spinoff, 03.07.2018
All Beneficiaries should be treated with respect and dignity, Waatea News, 31.05.2018
Government appoints 11-strong advisory panel to overhaul welfare system video, Stuff, 28.05.2018
Kiro heads strong team for welfare review, Waatea News, 28.05.2018
Govt announces panel to review welfare system, Radio NZ, 28.05.2018
Govt will have 'failed completely' if they don't reform benefits - Andrew Becroft, Newshub, 26.05.2018 (also see the full transcript)
New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse Co-Director Janet Fanslow has been recognised on the Queen's Birthday Honours List.
Other family violence prevention leaders Judy (Jude) Simpson and William (Bill) O'Brien and sexual violence legal specialist Professor Elisabeth McDonald were also appointed Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM).
On 4 June, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) announced the 2018 Queen's Birthday Honours List. The Honours Lists are approved by the Queen on the Prime Minister's advice.
New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse Co-Director Associate Professor Janet Fanslow was appointed MNZM for services to the research and prevention of family violence. The DPMC website outlines:
"Dr Janet Fanslow is an Associate Professor in the section of Social and Community Health at the University of Auckland’s School of Population Health. Associate Professor Fanslow has been researching family violence for more than 20 years and her work has been instrumental in proving its high rate of prevalence and exploring means through which it can be prevented.
Her early work in this field, funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC), was instrumental in establishing recognition of family violence as a treatable health issue. She was Principal Investigator of the HRC-funded New Zealand Violence Against Women Survey (NZVAWS) in 2003, the largest study of violence against women undertaken in the country with 2,855 women consulted in face-to-face interviews.
She is now co-director of the New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse, which collates and publishes data and research on the issue, offering a suite of specialist information to practitioners, researchers and policy workers in the field helping to inform programme delivery and assist with funding applications.
She is the author of a number of reports and guidelines regarding family violence, child and partner abuse, and elder abuse and neglect. Associate Professor Fanslow was appointed to the Expert Advisory Group on Family Violence in 2013."
Ms Judy (Jude) Simpson was appointed for services to the prevention of domestic violence. Jude Simpson facilitates family violence workshops across New Zealand for MSD, Police, District Health Boards and other organisations. She has worked as a family violence prevention advocate since 2005.
Mr William (Bill) O'Brien was appointed for services to victim support and the prevention of domestic violence. Mr O’Brien has been a Trustee and Manager of the Sophie Elliott Foundation since soon after its inception in 2010, previously had a 35 year career with NZ Police, was a key driver in the implementation of the ‘Keeping Ourselves Safe’ programme and has been involved with Victim Support.
Professor Elisabeth McDonald was appointed for services to the law and education. Professor McDonald's areas of focus include the prosecution of rape and feminist legal perspectives. She has published books including ''Real Rape' to Real Justice: Prosecuting Rape in New Zealand' (2011) and 'Feminist Judgments of Aotearoa New Zealand' (2017).
Many others were recognised for service and achievement, including in areas related to family violence. For the first time ever, more women than men received awards (56% women). See the selected media below and the full Queen's Birthday Honours List 2018 for more information.
Previous awards
In the New Year Honours List 2018, Jane Drumm was appointed as a Companion of the Queen's Service Order (QSO) for services to victims of domestic violence. Jane Drumm has provided support for victim of domestic violence for more than 20 years. Since 1997, Ms Drumm has led the violence prevention agency now known as Shine.
Also at New Year 2018, Raewyn Bhana was awarded The Queen's Service Medal for her contribution to initiatives to support people in the South Auckland community. These include Whānau Ora Community Clinics and the Safer Aotearoa Family Violence Prevention Network which she has managed since 2010.
Other leaders in the family, whānau and sexual violence prevention fields to have received awards in recent years include Dr Kim McGregor, appointed Companion of the Queen's Service Order (QSO) in 2014 for services to the prevention of sexual violence.
For background information, see an explanation of the New Zealand Royal Honours system from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Blake Medal
The Hon Dame Tariana Turia has been awarded the Blake Medal, an award for leadership achievement in New Zealand, by the Sir Peter Blake Trust. The Blake Medal is given "to acknowledge and celebrate an extraordinary New Zealand leader who has made an exceptional contribution to the country." Dame Turia is the first Māori woman to receive the Blake Medal.
Amongst other achievements, Dame Turia led the development of Whānau Ora, which "puts whānau and families in control of the services they need to work together, build on their strengths and achieve their aspirations." In 2015 Dame Tariana was made a Dame Companion of the Order of New Zealand for services as a Member of Parliament.
Selected media
New Zealand Youth Awards 2018 Recipients Announced, Beehive Press Release, 28.06.2018
'Exceptional and courageous' Dame Tariana Turia honoured, NZ Herald, 08.06.2017
Mentor, law expert honoured, Wairarapa Times Age, 06.06.2018
Honours for serving our Ethnic Communities, Beehive press release, 04.06.2018
More women take Top(p) honours, Beehive press release, 04.06.2018
Māori celebrated in Queen’s Birthday Honours, Beehive press release, 04.06.2018
Police staff recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours, NZ Police press release, 04.06.2018
Queen's Birthday Honours: Jude Simpson says award overwhelming, Bay of Plenty Times, 04.06.2018
Queen's Birthday Honours: Kristine Bartlett recognised again, NZ Herald, 04.06.2018
Elder Abuse Awareness Week runs from the 15-22 June 2018, starting with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June 2018.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2011. This was in response to a request by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, who first started the awareness raising day in June 2006.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, the theme this year is focused on encouraging people to ask for help and support.
Age Concern New Zealand Chief Executive Stephanie Clare said "...that the shame or stigma [of elder abuse] means people don't always report abuse happening within their family."
Where to go for help and support
In July 2017, the Ministry of Social Development's Super Seniors launched the Elder Abuse Response Service, 0800 32 668 65 (0800 EA NOT OK). The free national helpline provides support for older people at risk of or experiencing abuse and for people who have concerns about an older person.
For local support, see the list of Age Concern Elder Abuse Services and Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services. Also see Age Concern's brochure, Do you have questions about the safety of an older person/Kaumātua? to find out more more about their services.
Other helplines
As part of the It's not OK campaign, the 0800 Family Violence Information Line (0800 456 450) provides information and referrals to local services for people experiencing or using violence and for people who want to support others.
Safe to talk - He pai ki te kōrero is a national 24/7 helpline for people affected by 'sexual harm' and sexual violence. Contact the helpline by calling 0800 044 334, texting 4334, emailing support@safetotalk.nz or webchat on www.safetotalk.nz.
Resources for Elder Abuse Awareness Week
Super Seniors from the Ministry of Social Development has a number of resources you can order and Age Concern has resources available from their website. These resources include posters, information about services, prevention tips, wallet cards and more.
More information about elder abuse
In 2017, the World Health Organization announced findings from a study showing that elder abuse is increasing with nearly one in six people over the age of 60 experiencing some form of abuse.
Previous research published by the Ministry of Social Development has found that about one in ten older people in Aotearoa New Zealand reported some form of abuse. The Age Concern New Zealand Media Release for 2018 WEAAD includes statistics from calls for elder abuse services, finding that 76% of alleged abusers are family members.
Update: The Office for Seniors has published a brief video to raise awareness about elder abuse.
International reports and research
Elder Abuse Response Toolkit an online resource from Senior Rights Victoria; also see their discussion papers published in 2018 on Elder Abuse as Family Violence, Elder Abuse, Gender and Sexuality and Preventing Elder Abuse
Elder Abuse Community Action Plan for Victoria (2018) from the Australian National Ageing Research Institute
Elder Abuse— A National Legal Response (2017) is the final report from the Australian Federal government inquiry into elder abuse; also see the Issues Paper on Elder Abuse (2016) and Discussion Paper (2016)
Brief on violence against older women (2016) part of the global Violence Against Women and Girls Resource Guide
Elder abuse: Understanding issues, frameworks and responses (2016) from the Australian Institute of Family Studies
Preventing and Responding to Domestic & Sexual Violence in Later Life (2016) special collection from US-based VAWNET
Working with Older Survivors of Abuse (2016) from the US National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life
Survivors in the Margins: The Invisibility of Violence Against Older Women (2015) published in the Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect
Also see our Elder abuse and neglect: a selected bibliography (2012) and the quick topic search of our library on elder abuse.
Related news
In April Minister for Seniors Tracey Martin announced that the Government will develop a new Positive Ageing Strategy. Minister Martin said a consultation would run from June through August. Details about the consultation have not yet been announced.
Update: Minister Martin has launched the public consultation on developing the new positive ageing strategy.
The Ministry of Health released the Healthy Ageing Strategy 2016 to replace the Health of Older People Strategy 2002. The strategy included an action plan with some actions related to family violence and elder abuse and neglect. One of these actions is focused on updating the 2007 Family Violence Intervention Guidelines: Elder Abuse and Neglect.
Selected media
Positive Ageing Strategy document released, Beehive Press Release, 29.06.2018
Elder abuse can be a subtle thing, Otago Daily Times, 16.06.2018
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Press Release: ANZASW, Scoop, 15.06.2018
‘It stays hidden’ - Age Concern urges people to closely watch for elder abuse, One News, 15.06.2018
World Elder Abuse Day highlights problem, The Southland Times, 15.06.2018
Elder abuse often linked to loneliness and isolation: Age Concern Nelson Tasman, Stuff, 13.06.2018
Hauraki, Coromandel "not immune" to elder abuse, Stuff, 11.06.2018
Elder abuse problem 'underestimated' in society: social worker, Taranaki Daily News, 05.06.2018
Unfortunately elder abuse getting more common in our society, Taranaki Daily News, 03.06.2018
Reported elder abuse tip of iceberg, Manawatu Guardian, 31.05.2018
With ongoing public attention on sexual harassment and assault in the workplace, organisations and sectors remain in the spotlight.
In May, the Government released the report from an independent review of the Human Rights Commission. The Law Society also released results from an independent survey of the legal profession.
Human Rights Commission
The Human Rights Commission (HRC) is the national body responsible for handling enquiries and complaints about discrimination and racial and sexual harassment issues, among other activities to protect and promote human rights.
In February, Justice Minister Andrew Little ordered a review of the procedures and organisational culture at the HRC after an intern was sexually harrassed/assaulted by a senior employee at a work party and concerns were raised about the process that followed. The independent review was conducted by retired Judge Coral Shaw.
The Government published the report from the review, Ministerial Review of the Human Rights Commission in relation to the internal handling of sexual harassment claims and its organisational culture (2018). The review examined internal processes for handling claims, governance and management structures that support these processes, and organisational culture. For each area the report details conclusions and recommendations.
In the Executive Summary, Judge Coral Shaw noted "... the HRC should be an exemplar employer in relation to matters of human rights violations in its own workplace." The review reported that "some sexual harassment has occurred within the HRC, but it is not prevalent or endemic." A range of organisational issues emerged from the review.
In relation to processes for handling claims, it was found that the 2009 policy applied to the recent incidents was outdated, not specific to sexual harassment, not known among staff and not correctly followed. There was a lack of human resource support. While the HRC has updated their policy and processes, staff were not adequately involved in the update process.
In relation to governance and management structures, it was found that staff members lacked information and did not trust management to deal with complaints. In addition "there is a deep divide between some staff and some managers and a lack of trust in the management and the Commissioners among some staff." The report states "strategic leadership by the current Board is compromised by a lack of cooperation and communication between Commissioners and between Commissioners and the Chief Executive."
In relation to the organisational culture, the structure of the HRC was found to be problematic. Despite this, it meets its national and international responsibilities and maintains a good reputation as a champion of human rights in New Zealand. The report notes there has been a chronic lack of resources due to a long-term government cap on funding. Specifically, the report states "... the Chief Executive cannot operate effectively given the structure, the lack of a unified Board, and resource constraints."
The report outlines 31 recommendations. Of those, 25 relate to the governance and management structure and the organisational culture. The recommendations cover a range of actions:
- Review of polices and staff involvement in this process
- Board and Commissioner responsibilities
- Consideration of an external professional support service for internal complaints
- Staff and management relationships including the Board, Chief Executive and Commissioners
- Examining the role, training, support, recruitment, and appointment of the Commissioners.
“It is vital that New Zealanders have trust and confidence in the Human Rights Commission as New Zealand’s authority for dealing with complaints about sexual harassment. I am currently awaiting advice form the Ministry of Justice. I will also meet with the State Services Commission today to discuss the next steps to fulfil the report’s recommendations. I have spoken to all Commissioners and the CEO, and I will now deal with the question of Commissioner appointments, as a matter of priority.”
The HRC said it accepts the recommendations in the report and was working to address some of the recommended changes. Listen to comments from Minister Little about the release of report. For additional commentary see the media links below.
Dame Susan Devoy published an article in response to the review findings. She praised the hard work of the staff and said:
"I can only speak on my own behalf to say that I am devastated and deeply sorry that we failed to protect, support and nurture the commission’s most important asset: our people. The things our people endured should never have happened in any organisation, let alone ours."
"... it’s time to step back and reflect on what’s happened and how we can make sure it never, ever happens again. I hope that other boards and management groups read the ministerial review into the commission as there are things to learn from what our staff went through."
The senior employee who the complaint was against remains employed by the Human Right Commission with some disciplinary action being taken.
HRC announced that Race Relations Commissioner Susan Devoy, Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Jackie Blue and Chief Commissioner David Rutherford have decided to not seek reappointment. Disability Rights Commissioner Paula Tesoriero has been appointed acting head of the Human Rights Commission until new appointments are made.
Update: Justice Minister Andrew Little has announced a panel to recruit new Human Rights Commissioners.
Update: Justice Minister Andrew Little has announced new appointments: Professor Paul Hunt has been appointed as Chief Human Rights Commissioner and Dr Saunoamaali’i Karanina Sumeo as Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner.
Law Society survey
The Law Society commissioned Colmar Brunton to carry out a survey of more than 13,000 lawyers in New Zealand about workplace environments in the legal profession. The survey is part of a number of actions the Law Society is taking to address sexual harassment in the profession after media highlighted serious issues of sexual harassment and assault.
Results from the survey have been published in a report. Just over 3,500 lawyers completed the survey on general stress and wellbeing, sexual harassment and bullying. The survey found that:
- 31% of women and 5% of men have been sexually harassed during their working life
- 28% of lawyers have witnessed sexual harassment in a legal environment during their working life
- 52% of lawyers have ever experienced bullying, with levels higher among Māori, Pacific, and Asian lawyers
- 29% feel major changes are needed to the culture of their workplace (40% for lawyers age under 30 years).
In response to the survey, Law Society President Kathryn Beck said the results showed there is a "cultural crisis in the New Zealand legal profession". She said:
"This is about the legal profession. New Zealanders expect our profession to operate to the highest standards of integrity with a commitment to fairness, equity and justice. This survey makes it crystal clear that we are not meeting that expectation, we are failing to keep our own people safe and we cannot stand for this."
Kathryn Beck also said:
"I'm disappointed that this research is a surprise to us. I'm disappointed we heard about so much through the media. I'm disappointed that, for whatever reason, people chose not to report their experiences to us. I'm disappointed that for so many people, the law has not been a safe profession."
For more information about issues with sexual harassment in the legal profession see our previous story Spotlight remains on legal profession's responses to harassment, abuse and assault.
Update: The Law Society is seeking expressions of interest from lawyers to participate in a task force on system and culture change in the legal profession.
Update: The newly created independent Working Group established by the Law Society and chaired by Dame Silvia Cartwright is seeking ideas on how the complaints regulatory framework could be improved. The New Zealand Law Society Regulatory Working Group is in the process of finalising its report, which identifies and proposes improvements to the legal profession's current regulatory framework, systems and processes. The final report is expected in December 2018.
Update: The Law Society has published the final Report of the New Zealand Law Society Working Group: To enable better reporting, prevention, detection, and support in respect of sexual harassment, bullying, discrimination and other inappropriate workplace behaviour within the legal profession (2018). The Law Society Board Board has accepted the recommendations from the report on improving the regulatory process for lawyers when unacceptable workplace behaviour occurs.
Other organisations responding to harassment and abuse
Auckland Women's Centre hosted a panel on the #MeToo campaign (video recording can be viewed on Facebook). Shakti Youth hosted a YouthToo Panel: Culture, Identity and Feminism.
For information about other organisational responses see our previous stories on NZ Rugby and the NZ Defence Force. Also see our story on Sexual harassment and assault highlighted on International Women's Day for information about the #metoo and #togetherinblack campaigns.
The NZ Herald has reported findings from an independent report investigating how the Air Force responded to historic sexual abuse, harassment and bullying complaints. The NZ Defence Force released the report to the NZ Herald under the Official Information Act.
Following sexual harassment and assault occurring at a Labour summer camp, the Labour Party announced an independent review of their policies and procedures. The review is currently being conducted.
Media outlet Stuff has previously reported that Women's Minister Julie Anne Genter said the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment would begin collating data on complaints of sexual harassment in the workplace. Details have also been reported about further Government plans to address workplace sexual harassment.
See the media links below for other organisations' internal reports and responses to sexual harassment.
Related resources and research
A new resource from the US provides brief general guidance for all levels of management and employees on addressing sexual harassment, misconduct and abuse in the workplace. The guidance is presented in the form of open letters. There are four different letters to CEOs and board of directors; human resource executives staff; managers and supervisors; and employees. The resource has been developed by a sexual violence prevention agency in partnership with human resource consultants.
Gender Equal NZ recently published results from the first survey of gender attitudes in Aotearoa New Zealand. The survey found that while 79% of New Zealanders agreed gender equality is a human right, some people still hold strong ideas about gender roles that can contribute to gender inequality.
Promundo, a global agency working on gender justice and violence prevention, has published a new research brief on toxix masculinity and sexual abuse. The brief, Unmasking Sexual Harassment: How Toxic Masculinities Drive Men’s Abuse in the US, UK, and Mexico and What We Can Do to End It (2018), shares results from a survey of more than 1,000 young men each in the US, UK, and Mexico. The researchers explored young men’s views about manhood and sexual harassment. Also see their detailed report, Masculine Norms and Violence: Making the Connections (2018).
Related media
Perpetrators of sexual harassment are personally liable, The Post, 28.02.2024
Best practice developed for safety of law students in law firms, NZ Law Society news, 11.12.2018
Air Force inquiry head slates courts' treatment of sex attack victims, Stuff, 18.11.2018
Air Force sex predator continues to brutalise servicewoman, from behind bars, Stuff, 18.11.2018
One year on from #metoo, the fight against sexual misconduct is far from over, Stuff, 16.10.2018
One third of female lawyers have been sexually harassed - survey, News, 15.10.2018
New Zealand slow to put Me Too learning into practice, Newshub, 15.10.2018
Twenty reports of sexual harassment within New Zealand police, Stuff, 11.10.2018
Nine police staff disciplined over sexual harassment, Radio NZ, 11.10.2018
What really happened at Russell McVeagh’s bar, Newsroom, 11.10.2018
The Government has begun work on developing a Child Wellbeing Strategy. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Children’s Minister Tracey Martin held a forum in Wellington on 24 May 2018 with representatives from community groups to discuss children’s wellbeing.
Tracey Martin said “Over the next couple of months, officials will continue to seek input from groups, like those we are meeting with today, before beginning a broader public engagement process in the second half of the year." She also said the Strategy would be focused around safety, security, connectedness, wellness and development.
An initial version of the strategy is expected to be published next year.
This work comes from the Child Poverty Reduction Bill. If passed it will require the Government to develop and report on a child wellbeing strategy with a focus on reducing child poverty. The bill is currently with Select Committee after the consultation period closed in April.
It was announced as part of Budget 2018 that the Child Wellbeing Unit would be funded by Oranga Tamariki.
Earlier this year Treasury published a series of discussion papers to promote conversations about wellbeing measures for New Zealand.
Update: The Child Wellbeing Unit has released two cabinet papers related to the development of the child wellbeing strategy:
- Cabinet paper: Child Wellbeing Strategy – Scope and Public Engagement Process (May 2018)
- Cabinet paper: Process for Developing the First Child Wellbeing Strategy (January 2018)
Update: The International Conference on Well-Being & Public Policy was held in Wellington. Oranga Tamariki has shared a presentation from the conference on The Lifetime Wellbeing model for New Zealand Children.
Related news
Minister for Social Development Carmel Sepuloni has announced an expert advisory group to help with the overhaul of the welfare system.
The Government is currently seeking feedback on the proposed approach to "investing for social wellbeing," and a policy for the protection and use of personal information.
The Ministry of Social Development has begun a process to look at independent oversight of the child care and protection system which includes a public consultation.
Children’s Minister Tracey Martin recently announced that Oranga Tamariki is holding hui around the country for Oranga Tamariki providers on "commissioning stronger services for children."
Update: Stats NZ is inviting public feedback on the development of well-being indicators called Indicators Aotearoa New Zealand.
Update: Ara Taiohi and ActionStation have published a report on youth wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand: Ngā Kōrero Hauora O Ngā Taiohi: A community-powered report on conversations with 1,000 young people (2018).
Related research and resources
The need to adress intimate partner violence (IPV) effectively as part of preventing and responding to child abuse and neglect has been addressed in a number of forums.
The Family Violence Death Review Committee published a position brief on the Six reasons we cannot be effective in reducing intimate partner violence or child abuse and neglect unless we address both together.
Two NZFVC issues papers provide research and information about children's exposure to intimate partner violence and appropriate responses:
- Issues Paper 3, April 2013 - Understanding connections and relationships: Child maltreatment, intimate partner violence and parenting
- Issues Paper 4, April 2013 - Policy and practice implications: Child maltreatment, intimate partner violence and parenting
The issue has also previously been discussed in parliament. Now Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister of Justice (Domestic and Sexual Violence) Jan Logie previously blogged about the need to address IPV as part of the child protection review and in family law, by integrating "an evidenced based approach to domestic violence into the heart of our child protection services."
Additional research and resources are highlighted below:
The CDC (US) published a technical package to support agencies and communities to understand and address adverse childhood experiences, including exposure and experience of violence, abuse and neglect. The CDC also launched an online training tool, Connecting the Dots, that looks at the links between multiple forms of violence and opportunities for prevention.
Honor Our Voices: Children’s perspectives of domestic violence, MINCAVA
(An online learning module providing you with the opportunity to see domestic violence through the eyes and voices of children.)
Howarth, E., Moore, T.H.M., Welton, N.J., Lewis, N., Stanley, N., MacMillan, H., Shaw, A., Hester, M., Bryden, P. and Feder, G. (2016). IMPRoving Outcomes for children exposed to domestic ViolencE (IMPROVE): An evidence synthesis, Public Health Research, Issue 10.
Hooker, L., Kaspiew, R., and Taft, A. (2016). Domestic and family violence and parenting: Mixed methods insights into impact and support needs: State of knowledge paper, ANROWS Landscapes, Issue 1.
Humphreys, C. (2012). Keeping children safe: Challenges in post-separation parenting, DVRCV Quarterly, No. 2, Winter 2012: 5-8. (Focused on revenge child killings)
Bancroft, L., Silverman, J. G., and Ritchie, D. (2012). The batterer as parent: Addressing the impact of domestic violence on family dynamics (2nd ed.), Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Book available for loan from the New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse library.
Mittal, P. and Carrington, H. (2012). They didn’t see it. They were sleeping: The voices of children who live with family violence as heard by KIDshine, Shine.
Humphreys, C. and Absler, D. (2011). History repeating: child protection responses to domestic violence. Child & Family Social Work, 16: 464–473.
Hester, M. (2011). The three planet model: Towards an understanding of contradictions in approaches to women and children's safety in contexts of domestic violence, British Journal of Social Work, 2011, 41: 837-853.
Edleson, J. L., and Nissley, B. A. (2011). Emerging responses to children exposed to domestic violence. Harrisburg, PA: VAWnet - The National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women, and National Resource Center on Domestic Violence.
Humphreys, C. (2010). Strengthening the mother-child relationship in the aftermath of domestic violence. Strengthening service support and safety: Mothers, children and change, Video UNSW TV: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
(30 min video recording of a conference presentation)
Further reading on parenting, intimate partner violence and child abuse and neglect can be found in the NZFVC library under the subjects of child exposure to violence and parenting.
Selected media
Wellbeing's role in government policy, Beehive Press Release, 07.09.2018
Wellbeing indicators should guide policy, BusinessDesk, Scoop, 07.09.2018
What will the Wellbeing Budget change?, Newsroom, 06.09.2018
Māori perspective encouraged in Living Standards Framework, Te Karere TVNZ, One News, 23.08.2018
Government appoints 11-strong advisory panel to overhaul welfare system video, Stuff, 28.05.2018
Kiro heads strong team for welfare review, Waatea News, 28.05.2018
Govt announces panel to review welfare system, Radio NZ, 28.05.2018
Govt will have 'failed completely' if they don't reform benefits - Andrew Becroft, Newshub, 26.05.2018 (also see the full transcript)
New child poverty law too narrow - community groups, Radio NZ, 24.05.2018
Budget 2018: Funding for vulnerable children receives mixed response, NZ Herald, 17.05.2018
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