Read our open letter campaigning for support for domestic violence victims

Dear Hon. Michael Woodhouse,

 Domestic and family violence is at epidemic levels in New Zealand costing the economy an estimated $8 billion a year. This is not ok. We are writing to urge you to support MP Jan Logie’s Domestic Violence Victims’ Protection Bill (Supporting victims of domestic violence) at its first reading on 8 March 2017 so that it can go to Select Committee.

Among other provisions, the Bill proposes that people affected by family violence should be able to take up to 10 days’ leave. This will help them move house, attend court hearings and meet with lawyers.

Put simply: this Bill will save lives. It will make it easier for people to leave violent relationships and stay in employment. It will also keep victims safe at work from their abusers.

We acknowledge the government has taken action on domestic violence but more needs to be done.  This legislation acknowledges that violence at home also impacts the workplace.  There is research to suggest that businesses benefit financially and in other ways when they support their staff. Supporting victims of violence is the right thing for employers to do.

If you and your colleagues support this Bill, it can be heard at select committee. There, we can debate its effectiveness and the best way to support victims of family violence in the workplace.

Yours faithfully,

Rae Duff ONZM

President, National Council of Women of New Zealand

Supported by: