New family violence laws will increase the safety of victims and their families, create effective interventions for people who use violence, and ensure every branch of the justice system is responding in a joined-up, appropriate way to the problem of family violence. The Family Violence and Family Violence (Amendments) Acts, which come into effect on 1 July, make a number of significant changes: updating the definition of family violence to include coercion and control, with examples such as dowry abuse,...

From 1 July, family violence agencies and social services practitioners will be able to share information to better respond to family violence. Today the Government released Sharing information safely: Guidance on sharing personal information under the Family Violence Act 2018. This guidance supports the family violence sector to implement new information sharing provisions in the Family Violence Act 2018. “Sharing information safely will help protect people from harm and promote more consistent responses to family violence,” said Jan Logie, Under-Secretary to...

The Green Party supports the teachers and principals who are striking today. “Teachers have been undervalued for decades and the Green Party backs their efforts to achieve pay that properly reflects the vital work they do educating our tamariki”, Green Party workplace relations spokesperson Jan Logie said today.   “New Zealand prides itself on having one of the best education systems in the world. This is because of our world-class teachers. It’s crucial we respect and listen to the educators...

All New Zealanders should reflect on the situation of LGBTIQ+ people in New Zealand and around the world, say the Chairs of the New Zealand Parliamentary Rainbow Network. “We should all be proud of who we are and while the LGBTIQ+ movement has made significant strides, there is still work to be done,” say Jan Logie, Louisa Wall and Chris Bishop. “The Human Rights Act 1993 protects people in New Zealand from unlawful discrimination because of sexual orientation, yet every...

From today, every person affected by domestic violence will be able to get the help they need and keep themselves safe without worrying about losing their jobs. The Domestic Violence Victims’ Protection Act, which began as a member’s bill sponsored by Green MP Jan Logie, came into effect today. It provides up to ten days’ paid leave for people affected by domestic violence and access to flexible working arrangements. “This is a win for everyone – workers, employers, and our...

The Green Party is deeply disappointed to see the Births, Deaths, Marriages and Relationships Registration Bill delayed after going through the Select Committee process.

The Ministry of Justice has released a summary of feedback on draft guidance for information sharing under new family violence legislation. The Family Violence Act 2018 outlines how and when family violence agencies and social services practitioners can share information about victims or perpetrators of family violence. “The purpose of the new law is to encourage agencies to work together to identify, stop, prevent and otherwise respond to family violence,” says Jan Logie, Under-Secretary to the Minister of Justice (Domestic...

The Māori advisory group to the Government’s joint venture on family violence and sexual violence began their work today at their first meeting in Wellington. “Te Rōpū marks a significant change to the way Government works with Māori to address some of our most complex and difficult problems,” says Jan Logie. “It brings together a wide range of expertise from across the motu. “Our work to stop family violence and sexual violence is critical, and needs Māori leadership. There are...

Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Minister of Justice (Domestic and Sexual Violence Issues) Jan Logie today launched a new website to provide information about justice processes to survivors of sexual violence and their advocates. “This new online guide responds to the overwhelming feedback from victims and survivors about the need for better access to information to help them understand the justice process,” says Jan Logie. The online guide has been informed by the Law Commission Te Aka Matua o te Ture...

The Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor has delivered a report on preventing family violence and reducing incarceration rates today. Dr Ian Lambie, Chief Science Advisor to the Justice sector, presented the paper Every 4 Minutes: A discussion paper on preventing family violence in New Zealand, to Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Domestic and Sexual Violence Issues) Jan Logie. “This report confirms that prevention is possible, and we can ultimately end family violence in New Zealand,” says Jan Logie. “We already know the significant trauma family...