5. KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National) Link to this
to the Minister of Police
Can she provide a report on any recent initiatives to improve the support provided to victims of child abuse?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS (Minister of Police) Link to this
Sadly, for too many children in this country, home is not a loving, supportive, or even safe place. I am very pleased to report on the opening of a new multi-agency centre in Counties-Manukau. The centre has been specifically designed to be victim-focused. It will enable police, Child, Youth and Family, and health professionals to work together in one self-contained facility to provide a coordinated service to victims of abuse. An important feature of the centre is that no suspects or offenders will attend the facility. This will help provide a safe and supportive environment for victims. The centre will also investigate sexual assaults against adults, and assess and coordinate the need for intervention with the families of these victims.
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi Link to this
Can she explain the background behind the development of this innovative centre?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
Yes. The centre is a joint initiative between Counties-Manukau police, Child, Youth and Family, and the Counties Manukau District Health Board. Community groups and local agencies have been working towards the establishment of this centre since 1997 and I would like to commend them for their sustained efforts. More than 12,000 family violence incidents were attended by Counties-Manukau police in the 2008-09 year. This accounts for nearly 40 percent of all calls for service in the district. This new centre represents the commitment of the local community and the Government to cut through the barriers and help repair the broken lives left behind by offenders.
Lynne PillayCan the Minister release reports or updated figures on victims of sexual abuse crimes who have been denied Accident Compensation Corporation counselling since November 2009, or ask the Minister for ACC, as he seems unable to do this and I am hearing from hundreds of victims of crime who are asking whether reports like this are being suppressed?
Mr SPEAKERHon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
I am not responsible for accident compensation. I am sure that if that member would like to address the question to the correct Minister who has responsibility, he will be able to answer it.
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. The Minister has been asked by written question, and he responded that he is unable—
We will not enter into that matter. The problem was that the member asked a question of the Minister of Police about matters relating to Accident Compensation Corporation claims, and she has indicated that that is not her responsibility. I do not think it was, and that is where the matter lies. If she indicates that it is not her responsibility, then that is the end of the matter.
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi Link to this
What other steps are being taken to provide better protection for victims of family violence?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
I am pleased to report that police safety orders will be coming into effect on 1 July. The police will be able to issue orders on the spot to ensure the immediate safety of the victim and any children by removing the alleged violent person from the home for a period of up to 5 days. These orders will be issued in situations where there is insufficient basis to arrest, but where police believe there is a likelihood of family violence occurring. This will provide a period of safety in which victims can consider their future options, including whether to seek a protection order from the courts. These orders will provide another important tool in helping to protect victims, while sending a clear message that family violence will not be tolerated.
Rahui KateneIs she aware that it is not only the Wairarapa in which there were inaccurate files kept also; an audit of files in the Bay of Plenty revealed that there were an additional 111 child abuse files that had not been recorded in the police national intelligence application; and what steps is she taking to ensure the shortcomings in the way child abuse cases are being received, prioritised, and investigated is being managed properly across all districts?
Hon JUDITH COLLINS Link to this
Yes, there was a very unfortunate situation between 1999 and 2006, when a range of child abuse cases were not properly investigated in the Wairarapa. Following that, police have undertaken a review of all of their districts and there were some cases in the Bay of Plenty, to which the member referred, that also had not been properly dealt with. I am very pleased to say that I have recently visited a Child, Youth and Family and police initiative, which is very similar to what I have just talked about in Counties-Manukau. Child, Youth and Family and police are now working very, very well in the Bay of Plenty to deal with these issues, so I am very pleased to say that.