To: Union of Fathers

CONSULTATION ON PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LEGISLATION

As part of its responsibility for administering the domestic violence legislation, the Ministry of Justice is working on identifying possible amendments to the legislation which would make its operation more efficient and effective. This project is not a review of the basic framework of the legislation (as that is considered to be generally sound) but is aimed at identifying particular areas that could be improved.

Since the implementation of the legislation the Ministry has collated a number of proposals for amendments, mainly from the Family Court Judiciary and members of the legal profession. The Ministry is now analysing these proposals and seeking input from other stakeholders about particular provisions in the legislation that could be improved.

We are therefore writing to invite you to submit to us in writing any proposed amendments that you believe could improve the operation of the legislation. Please forward your submission to:

Lois Holmes
Principal Adviser
Crime and Justice Policy Team
Ministry of Justice
P 0 Box 180 WELLINGTON
or
e mail to [email protected]

We would be grateful if you could forward to us any submission you may wish to make by 7 October 2005. If that is not possible please let us know. You can contact Lois Holmes on DDI 4949 734.

If the incoming Government agrees that this project remain on the Ministry work programme we aim to circulate a discussion document to the relevant stakeholders early next year to seek comment on the range of proposals raised, before proceeding to seek policy approval for amendments.

Yours sincerely
Victoria Crawford
Manager Crime and Justice Policy Team