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New Family Violence Courts aimed at protecting victims against abuse are to be set up in Lower Hutt, Masterton, Porirua and Auckland City.
Courts Minister Rick Barker said two Family Violence Courts operating in Manukau and Waitakere had worked well and provided a better way of managing family violence cases.
"Family Violence Courts are a new way of working that help ensure family violence matters come before judges quickly," Mr Barker said.
"Through providing rapid resolution of family violence matters, Family Violence Courts reduce the risk of further violence while the case is waiting to be heard."
The Family Violence Court takes place at a regular time and place, with dedicated Family Violence Court Judges, Police Prosecutors, Community Probation Officers, Victim Advisors and court staff.
Mr Barker said the courts improved safety for victims but also ensured offenders were accountable and could get help to stop being violent.
"Dealing with family violence requires co-ordinated approach. Much of the success of the Family Violence Court to date has been due to the co-operation and commitment of the judiciary, court staff, and community groups," Mr Barker said.
In Manukau the Family Violence Court worked with the South Auckland Family Violence Prevention Network, a group encompassing 360 different agencies including Women's Refuges and Stopping Violence Programme providers.
"Domestic violence is an issue for all New Zealanders and must be addressed by our whole society.
"The expansion of the Family Violence Courts to four new areas is evidence that when the judiciary, the government and the community work together a very real impact can be made."
Chief District Court Judge Russell Johnson told a conference in Auckland in 2005 that the new Waitakere and Manukau courts had resulted in more guilty pleas and fewer "no-shows" in court.
"Far more often than ever before, the victims are turning up also, [enabling] a consultative process to go on."
- NZPA
