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Family law

Protections against family violence

Overview

“Family violence” includes physical, sexual, psychological and financial abuse, by anyone you are in a “family relationship” with. Both of these terms are explained in more detail below.

If you have experienced family violence, the police and courts can help keep you safe. Police officers can issue a temporary Police Safety Order, and a judge can issue a longer-lasting “Protection Order”. Everything you need to know about these two options is in this section.

At a glance: A court can make a Protection Order to help keep you safe from future domestic violence

Protection orders tell the other person that they have to:

If there is a child involved, the court will also issue orders about what contact the person can have with the child.

Protection orders are usually dealt with urgently, without telling the other person until they’re issued.

You don’t need a lawyer to get a Protection Order, but it is a good idea to have one.

The only evidence you need to give the court is a written statement from you, explaining what has happened, and why you need the Protection Order.

Breaching a Protection Order is a criminal offence, and the person can be arrested immediately.

It’s best to apply for a Protection Order as soon as you realise you need one, rather than waiting.

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Family violence and elder abuse

Where to go for more support

Community Law

Your local Community Law Centre can provide you with free initial legal advice on how legal aid works, whether you might be eligible for the service, and the next steps.

Find your local Community Law Centre online: www.communitylaw.org.nz/our-law-centres

Age Concern

Age Concern provides a range of resources on aspects of life for older people including elder abuse.

Website: www.ageconcern.org.nz
Email: national.office@ageconcern.org.nz
Phone: 0800 65 2 105

Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS) – Office for Seniors

The Elder Abuse Response Service is a free, confidential 24-hour helpline.

Website: www.officeforseniors.govt.nz/our-work/raising-awareness-of-elder-abuse/elder-abuse-response-service
Email: support@elderabuse.nz
Phone: 0800 32 668 65
Text: 5032

Women’s Refuge

Women’s Refuge provides 24-hour support, advocacy and accommodation for women and their children experiencing family violence throughout New Zealand.

Website: www.womensrefuge.org.nz
Crisis line (24/7): 0800 REFUGE (0800 733 843)
Email: info@refuge.org.nz
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womensrefugenz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/womensrefugenz

Family Violence – It’s Not OK

“It’s not OK” is a community-driven behaviour change campaign to reduce family violence in New Zealand. Its goal is to change attitudes and behaviour that tolerate any kind of family violence. The website has resources for families who are experiencing abuse.

Website: www.areyouok.org.nz
Phone: 0800 456 450

Family Court

The Family Court website provides helpful information about family violence and the legal options available to keep families safe.

Website: www.justice.govt.nz/family/family-violence

New Zealand Law Society

The Law Society has helpful information on family violence and protection orders.

Website: www.lawsociety.org.nz/for-the-public/common-legal-issues/family-violence

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