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Family law

Special employment rights and protections when there’s family violence

Overview

Special leave from your job

Holidays Act 2003, ss 72A-72J

In general, once you’ve been in your job for six months you have the right to take up to 10 days’ paid leave in any one year to help you deal with the effects of family (domestic) violence. For more information, see: “Family violence leave: What you’re entitled to”.

Flexible work arrangements for short periods

Employment Relations Act 2000, Part 6AB

As a victim of family violence you have a special right to ask your employer for short-term flexibility in your work arrangements for when and where you work. Your employer can refuse only if they can’t reasonably accommodate the changes you need. For more information, see: “Flexible work arrangements if you’ve experienced family violence”.

Protection against unfair treatment by your boss

Employment Relations Act 2000, s 103(1)(da) Human Rights Act 1993, s 62A

If you’re treated unfairly by your boss because you’re a victim of family violence, you may be able to take a personal grievance against them (see: “Resolving employment problems”), or complain to the Human Rights Commission (see: “Going to the Human Rights Commission”).

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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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