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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 the chapter “Employment conditions and protections”.

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 the chapter “Employment conditions and protections”.

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 the chapter “Resolving employment problems”), or complain to the Human Rights Commission (see the chapter “Discrimination”).

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Family violence and elder abuse

Where to go for more support

Community Law

www.communitylaw.org.nz

Your local Community Law Centre can provide free initial legal advice and information.

Age Concern

www.ageconcern.org.nz

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

Phone: (04) 801 9338 or 0800 65 2 105
Email: national.office@ageconcern.org.nz

Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS)

Helpline: 0800 32 668 65

With this confidential 24-hour, free-phone helpline, registered nurses will listen and provide information and support about elder abuse – whether the caller is calling on their own behalf or is concerned about a friend or family member. Callers will then be referred to local elder abuse services to get the help they need.

Family Court

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

This Family Court webpage provides pamphlets and other information giving an overview of how family violence is dealt with in the courts and how Protection Orders can help keep people safe from family violence. The website also provides information on responding to a Protection Order application.

You can access the pamphlets online, or you can order hard copies by contacting the Family Court on:

Phone: 0800 587 847
Email: publications@justice.govt.nz

Family Court family violence forms

These forms, and a guide for how to complete a Protection Order application, are available at www.justice.govt.nz/family/family-violence/protection-order-forms

Family Court fee waiver forms

These forms are available here:

www.justice.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Forms/application-for-waiver-individ-prev-waiver.pdf

Independent Police Conduct Authority

www.ipca.govt.nz

Postal Address: PO Box 5025, Wellington 6145

Phone: (04) 499 2050
Phone: 0800 503 728

Email: info@ipca.govt.nz

The IPCA receives and investigates complaints against the police. A complaint form is available online.

“Family violence” (Law Society pamphlet)

Available at: www.lawsociety.org.nz/about-us/about-our-publications/law-awareness-brochures

Access pamphlets online or order hardcopies from the New Zealand Law Society.

Phone: (04) 472 7837
Email: pamphlets@lawsociety.org.nz

Women’s Refuge

www.womensrefuge.org.nz

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

Crisis Line

Phone: 0800 REFUGE (0800 733 843)

Women’s Refuge provides a free phone line for people anywhere in New Zealand. Get information, advice and support about family violence as well as help in a crisis.

Fact sheets

A range of resources and fact sheets are available online.

Phone: (04) 802 5078
Email: info@refuge.org.nz

Family Violence – It’s Not OK

www.areyouok.org.nz

Phone: 0800 456 450

“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. It’s not OK is an initiative housed within the Ministry of Social Development.

Family violence and disabled people

www.areyouok.org.nz/resources/free-resources/domestic-violence-and-disabled-people-accessible-formats

Family violence and migrant families

www.areyouok.org.nz/resources/free-resources/culture-no-excuse-for-abuse-english

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