Ministry wants to support staff affected by family violence
24 November 2017
The Ministry of Justice supports public campaigns that raise awareness of family violence and has now developed a policy to recognise that its own employees may need support if they experience family violence at home.
‘Our work around family violence can include the challenging “day-to-day” for our employees and service providers who assist people going through the justice system who have experienced first-hand the devastating impact family violence has.’ says Carl Crafar, the Ministry’s Chief Operating Officer.
‘We support our customers in this area and play a leading role in statutory change, so it makes sense we consider the wellbeing of our own people.’
‘That’s why we’ve chosen to become an early adopter of recommendations in the Family Violence Workforce Capability Framework, which include supporting workforce capability to respond safely to family violence.’
‘We’ve launched our staff policy ahead of White Ribbon Day on 25 November because this campaign highlights the impact family violence has right across New Zealand, in all communities.’
The Ministry is currently part of a cross-government work programme on family violence and sexual violence that aims to ensure victims are safer, and long-standing behaviours and attitudes are challenged. We are focusing our contribution to reducing family violence focuses on four areas:
- Better supporting and protecting of victims of family violence
- Improving victims’ experience of the justice system
- Supporting judicial decision making in cases involving family violence
- Ensuring family violence legislation is modern and fit for purpose.
Find out more about the Family Violence and Sexual Violence Work Programme
New Zealand has one of the highest reported rates of family and sexual violence in the developed world. Family violence can include intimate partner violence; child abuse and neglect by a family member; elder abuse and neglect by a family member; and abuse of a family member with disabilities.
This Saturday 25 November marks the United Nations (UN) Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.(external link) In New Zealand, the White Ribbon campaign marks the date with White Ribbon Day(external link), focusing public awareness around the impact of family violence on women, and what men can do to change attitudes.
Image: Carl Crafar in White Ribbon tee-shirt