New Zealand Family Court Proceedings Amendment Bill Aims to Improve Family Violence Evidence

The Family Violence Evidence in Family Court Proceedings Amendment Bill has successfully passed its third reading in the New Zealand parliament. This bill aims to improve the way family violence evidence is given in family court proceedings, ensuring that the court has access to all relevant information when making decisions about the care and protection of children. The bill introduces new provisions that allow for the admission of evidence of family violence in family court proceedings, including evidence of a pattern of behavior. This will enable the court to consider the full context of the family situation when making decisions. The bill also provides for the use of specialist reports and expert evidence to inform the court’s decision-making. Furthermore, the bill introduces new protections for victims of family violence, including the ability to give evidence by video link or in a closed court. This will help to reduce the trauma and stress associated with giving evidence in person. The bill has been widely supported by stakeholders, including family violence advocates and legal professionals. They believe that the bill will help to improve outcomes for victims of family violence and their children. The bill is part of a broader package of reforms aimed at improving the family justice system. These reforms include the introduction of new family violence laws and the establishment of a new family violence agency. The government has also announced plans to increase funding for family violence services and support. The bill has been welcomed by the New Zealand Law Society, which has stated that it will help to ensure that the family court has access to all relevant information when making decisions. The society has also praised the bill’s provisions for protecting victims of family violence. The bill has also been supported by the New Zealand Police, which has stated that it will help to improve the way that family violence is addressed in the justice system. The police have also welcomed the bill’s provisions for increasing the use of specialist reports and expert evidence. The bill is expected to come into force later this year, and it is hoped that it will make a significant difference to the lives of victims of family violence and their children. The government has stated that it is committed to continuing to work to improve the family justice system and to address the issue of family violence. This includes working with stakeholders to identify areas for further reform and improvement. The bill is a significant step forward in addressing the issue of family violence, and it is hoped that it will help to reduce the incidence of family violence and improve outcomes for victims. The bill’s provisions for improving the way that family violence evidence is given in family court proceedings are particularly significant, as they will help to ensure that the court has access to all relevant information when making decisions. The bill’s protections for victims of family violence are also important, as they will help to reduce the trauma and stress associated with giving evidence in person. Overall, the Family Violence Evidence in Family Court Proceedings Amendment Bill is a positive step forward in addressing the issue of family violence, and it is hoped that it will make a significant difference to the lives of victims of family violence and their children.

Source