Simon Howard, general manager of Tutaki Youth Inc and family violence co-ordinator for the Stratford policing area, says he welcomes the release last Wednesday of a discussion document on a review of laws relating to family violence by Minister of Justice, Amy Adams.
"We are at the frontline of the
fight against family violence in our region, we see the negative impact of it on our community on a daily basis and therefore welcome any ways in which discussion and informed debate on the topic is encouraged."
Tutaki Youth Inc already apply a collaborative approach to the work they do, and Simon says their success is proof of the benefits of increased partnerships between police, social services, government organisations and the community as a whole.
"The more agencies can work together the more we can ensure that victims don't get overlooked and that offenders receive the support they need to make positive changes while also being held to account for their actions."
The decision to look at all the relevant legislation around the issue, rather than just the Domestic Violence Act, is a positive one he adds. "It is important to recognise that family violence doesn't just impact one person. It has a ripple effect on the wider community, and has far-reaching consequences."
