Domestic violence figures 'disturbing', judge says

Judge Peter Boshier

Figures on domestic violence in New Zealand present a disturbing picture, Principal Family Court Judge Peter Boshier said at a hui on the issue today in Auckland today.

In the seven weeks from November 20, 2005 to January 3, 2006, six women were killed by their partners or previous partners, Judge Boshier said in his speech at Te Unga Waka Marae in Epsom.

"To my understanding, these deaths left 19 children orphaned by domestic violence. There was also one child who died as a result of injuries sustained through family abuse," he said.

The domestic violence hui (meeting) was held to commemorate the introduction of the Domestic Violence Act, which came into force 10 years ago, and to address the growing issue of violence within the home.

Judge Boshier said domestic violence was a scourge which must be addressed by the whole of society.

"Over half of the murders in New Zealand are the result of domestic violence. Police statistics show a growing rate of call-outs to domestic disputes.

"The number in 2002-2003 was 24,700. In 2004-2005 it was 30,692."

During December 2005 and January 2006, police attended nearly 11,000 family violence incidents, in which 6000 children individually witnessed that violence.

"That is one incident every eight minutes," he said.

In the same period, Child, Youth and Family received around 10,000 reports of suspected child abuse.

"It is impossible to over-emphasise the importance of a nurturing home environment for children, and nothing so damages that environment as family violence."

He reminded the audience that domestic violence was often under-reported.

"If that is so, the real figures must be quite horrific."

Although figures indicated domestic violence was increasing, the number of protection orders granted by the Family Court was declining.

Judge Boshier said any criticism of the Domestic Violence Act or courts should be met head-on.

"If there are criticisms that are valid, the only way we can improve and begin to rectify the situation is to meet them head-on, acknowledge where improvements can be made, and make the necessary changes."

He said some of the criticisms, particularly regarding delays and lack of access, had not been without foundation and had required, and continued to require, attention.

The judge said domestic violence was "a terrible tragedy" in the lives of those who suffered it "and an indictment of the society that produces it".

He added: "The Family Court and the justice system as a whole have an important role in responding to it when it occurs.

"We used to say of ourselves that New Zealand was the greatest country in the world to bring up children. If that was ever true, we cannot be so proud or complacent now.

"Domestic violence has become an issue for all New Zealanders."

- NZPA