Govt launches scheme to tackle family violence

Govt launches scheme to tackle family violence

The Government has launched a Family Violence Disclosure Scheme it says will make it easier for police to disclose a person's violent past to a concerned partner or friend.

But one victim advocate fears the information won't be handed over fast enough to save potential victims.

Wellington woman Mei Fan was killed by her former husband, Michael Preston, the day after she had taken out a protection order against him. It's something that haunts police in charge of the investigation.

Now, the Government is launching what it describes as a potentially life-saving initiative, to make it safer for those in a relationship with people who have been violent in the past.

Concerned individuals will be able to approach police and ask if there's a history of violent offending.

"Frontline officers can go through a clear, flowchart-type process to assess whether there's a serious imminent threat and to make disclosure immediately if that's needed, or over a longer term," Justice Minister Amy Adams says.

But that longer term means a wait of up to four weeks for information, and that concerns victim advocate Ruth Money.

"When you need to find out this information you need immediate assistance."

Police say requests will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, and Commissioner Mike Bush reiterates police will carry out due diligence to make sure the right information goes to the right people.

So far this year, 33 people have died from family violence - 16 children, 10 women and 7 men.

 Ms Adams says if we have to decide between privacy and safety, safety has to come first.

And Commissioner Bush has this message about domestic violence: "If you are one of those people who perpetrate family violence, stop and walk away before you do."

Ms Money says currently it is very difficult for victims to get information about offenders, so this is a step in the right direction. But she says she hopes the disclosure will be full and quick, as a lot can happen in a violent relationship in four weeks.

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