Another voice: we must listen

It seems an appalling irony that in a peace-loving and ''civilised'' society, some of the worst violence we experience in this country goes on in what should be the safest place for any New Zealander - their home.

The roll call of child deaths, of largely female victims of domestic violence, and the long list of predominantly male perpetrators is shameful.

Almost 50% of homicides are family violence-related, about 10 children are killed every year by a family member, and hundreds are hospitalised as a result of abuse or neglect. Child, Youth and Family receives an average of 150,000 notifications or reports of concern a year.

Women's Refuge provides help to about 25,000 women and children and receives 60,000 calls to its Crisisline every year.

The numbers are likely to be the tip of the iceberg, for domestic abuse often goes on behind closed doors, in a climate of fear and control, shame and denial.

Much handwringing has been done about our shameful statistics, many action groups established, campaigns reinvigorated, reports written and recommendations made - some of which may be implemented, many of which are dismissed.

The latest report on the growing pile is ''The People's Report: The People's Inquiry into Addressing Child Abuse and Domestic Violence'' by the $2 million Glenn Inquiry, set up and financed by millionaire businessman and philanthropist Sir Owen Glenn.

The credibility of the inquiry was unfortunately tarnished from the start after disagreements led to resignations, followed by revelations of Sir Owen's ''no contest'' plea to a historic physical abuse charge against a young woman in 2002 (the allegation was denied by Sir Owen and the charge dismissed in 2004).

But the inquiry managed to retain its momentum, along with high-profile and respected names.

Its aim was a noble one: to produce a blueprint to tackle child abuse and domestic violence.

Questions will inevitably remain about its authority, but the report itself states it is not an ''academic interpretation'', rather a record of ''the stories, hopes, dreams and ideas'' from about 500 people across a range of views and experiences - victims, perpetrators and frontline workers.

It hopes the stories will ''provide direction and insights'' into making systems and services ''more responsive and effective''.

The stories are emotive and hard-hitting and provide information about the situation at the coalface, from which public policy could be based. Some of the inquiry's ideas have merit.

Some sit uneasily. For example, while the report says the current judicial system is too adversarial, its push to change the burden of proof in the case of abuse allegations is controversial given the presumption of innocence'' is fundamental to our judicial system.

New Zealand once had a leading Family Court model, and there is no doubt recent changes have concerned many.

But the Government says it is taking action and making positive changes on the issue of domestic violence - including its 10-year Children's Action Plan, with legislation to enact a raft of tough new measures, and a police focus on domestic abuse.

While the Glenn Inquiry's politically ''independent'' nature has no doubt allowed victims to speak more freely, there is no onus on the Government to adopt the first report's ''ideas for change'', the second-stage blueprint to come, or any of the actual recommendations, which will be contained in the inquiry's final report at the end of the year.

It is to be hoped, however, worthwhile ideas will be considered and used as part of the mix, for it is clear a concerted effort in a range of areas is needed to make meaningful change.

Of course any change won't come overnight.

The report makes clear perpetrators of domestic abuse are often victims themselves, unable to see or find alternative ways of living, behaving and coping.

And the report shows victims believe they have been failed by the current system and need better protection and support.

(A group about to petition the Government for changes to strengthen protection orders highlights some of those concerns.)

Now they have been given a voice and shared their stories, the greatest shame would be if we fail to listen.

 

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