More unified and empathetic response to family violence keeps children and families safer

Children and families are better protected and supported under the multi-agency model for responding to family violence incidents. Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Karen Chhour has welcomed a recent independent evaluation into responses to family violence incidents, which has shown the importance of support services working together to respond quickly after a family violence incident. It also highlighted reduced barriers to safety and staying alongside whānau longer enough to support lasting change as clear benefits to survivors from this approach. The model has been rolled out by government agencies, communities and iwi-led family violence sites in Auckland City, Rotorua, Tairāwhiti and Hawkes Bay. Minister Chhour says, “As a nation we have a tragic history of com