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Family law

What a Protection Order does

“Safety programmes” for you and your children

Free, confidential programmes are available to any protected person

Family Violence Act 2018, s 187

If you’ve obtained a Protection Order, education and support programmes – called “safety programmes” – are available for you, your children and any other person who’s specifically named in the order as a protected person. The programmes are free and confidential, and they’re available to you at any time while the Protection Order is in force.

Your lawyer – or the judge or court registrar if you don’t have a lawyer – must tell you about your right to attend a safety programme.

You can also find out about programmes through the Family Court coordinator or a family violence service.

What’s the purpose of the safety programmes?

These safety programmes aim to help protected people understand family violence and the laws relating to it, to understand the effects of this violence on families, and to learn how to protect themselves from family violence in the future.

Programmes developed specifically for children can help them understand and deal with family violence and its effects on them and the family. Although they cover very serious issues, these programmes are designed to be interactive and fun so that children will enjoy the programme.

Note: Safety programmes provided for protected people are very different from the non-violence programmes that respondents must attend. You and the respondent won’t be required to attend a programme together.

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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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