More violent offenders to be GPS monitored
More high-risk domestic violence offenders will be able to be monitored using GPS under new measures to tackle family violence.
"Quite simply, the rate of family violence in New Zealand is unacceptable," Prime Minister John Key said, announcing a multi-agency package to address New Zealand's high rates of domestic violence and child abuse.
Among the measures are law changes to give judges more power to order GPS monitoring of the most serious domestic violence offenders, which the government says will help keep more victims safe.
The 24-hour monitoring means a record is kept of where an offender is and where they have been, and an alarm will be raised if an offender goes near an exclusion zone.
The government will also trial mobile safety alarms with GPS for victims, so they can notify police of an emergency and their location, without having to call 111.
"Improving safety and support for family violence victims will reduce violent crime and re-offending - and most importantly, it will make a big difference to the lives of victims and their children," Justice Minister Judith Collins said.
The government is also going to create the role of chief victims' adviser.
That person will advise the justice minister on the needs and views of victims of crime, including domestic violence victims.
Ms Collins hasn't yet approached anyone for the role, but she says it would need to be filled by someone who has immediate credibility with victims, as well as knowledge of the workings of the justice system.
Meanwhile, the government is going to explore the possibility of a conviction disclosure system, which may allow a person to be told whether their partner has a history of violence.
Labour's justice spokesman, Andrew Little, says the people who most need advice are the victims.
"They need a court-based advocate so they know what is going on, what they can do, how they can have a say and what their rights are as a witness in any trial," he said.
New measures to address family violence:
* changes to law so more high-risk domestic violence offenders can be monitored using GPS
* a chief victims' adviser to the justice minister
* home safety service to help victims who want to leave a violent relationship
* review of the Domestic Violence Act to ensure it is working properly
* trial of GPS-enabled mobile safety alarms for victims.
