Law 'fails' domestic violence victims

Women are losing confidence in the ability of the law to protect them from violent partners or ex-partners, says an expert in combating family violence.

Brian Gardner, national manager of the National Network of Stopping Violence Services, says the Domestic Violence Act, introduced 10 years ago, is failing victims.

"When women find that getting a protection order could cost them $1500, that the judge may be reluctant to grant an order, that police may be reluctant to charge when a protection order is breached, it is not surprising that ... they give up on seeking a legal means of protection," Mr Gardner said yesterday.

"A piece of paper from the court was never going to stop some women being murdered by partners or ex-partners. Protection orders are only as good as the justice system that supports them."

Principal Family Court Judge Peter Boshier told a domestic violence hui in Auckland on Monday that between November 20 and January 3, six women were killed by their partners or ex-partners.

Three of those women had been granted protection orders.

"To my understanding, these deaths left 19 children orphaned by domestic violence," Judge Boshier said.

"There was also one child who died as a result of injuries sustained through family abuse."

He said more than half of the murders in New Zealand were the result of domestic violence.

Human Rights Commissioner Joy Liddicoat said protecting women and children from domestic violence was not just an issue for the courts and police.

She welcomed Judge Boshier's comments. "He is to be commended for speaking out about this issue and acknowledging that the courts can't stop domestic violence on their own."

Ms Liddicoat said it was time for the hand-wringing to stop.

"Domestic violence is a crime. The safety of women and children lies not simply in the hands of the courts and the police, but in the hands of their loved ones and their communities."

- NZPA