7. SUE MORONEY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
What is the Government doing to prevent and reduce the impact of family violence?
Hon RUTH DYSON (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
Our Government established the Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families to eliminate family violence in our country. One of the task force’s achievements is the media campaign. Its key phrase “It’s not OK” has already struck a chord with New Zealanders, and people are taking action as a result. The second phase of advertising, which started last Sunday, calls on male perpetrators of partner violence to change their behaviour. I commend the courage of the men who tell their real stories in the ad, in order to show that it is OK to ask for help. The ads are not airing in a vacuum. The task force’s ongoing programme of action will strengthen and support the campaign.
How will last week’s announcement regarding sustainable funding for community groups help prevent family violence?
A well-funded non-governmental organisation sector is critical if we are to prevent family violence, and because it understands its communities and the families who live in them, it is likely to be the first port of call for help. The new sustainable funding model will provide community providers with more certainty, and they will be able to spend more time focusing on the outcomes that their services deliver. Heather Henare of the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges said that this policy “should provide greater relief and certainty to Refuges throughout the country.”