Planned Areas for Action
Area of Action 4
Consistency in relevant law, policy and service delivery
Responsibility
| Lead | Other |
|---|---|
| Justice and MSD | Relevant population and operational government agencies |
Action details
Review the operation of legislation that interfaces with the Domestic Violence Act 1995, in particular the Children, Young Persons, and their Families Act 1989, Guardianship Act 1968, Family Proceedings Act 1980, and Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988, to ensure consistency in approach and effective integration in law, related policy and service delivery.
Link to goals and objectives
Goals 2 & 5. Objectives 2(iv), 5(iii).
Timeframe
This action will need to await the outcomes of current and planned initiatives, such as the reviews of certain aspects of the Guardianship Act, DVA and the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act. It is likely to commence in 2004, with the timeframe for its completion determined closer to its commencement date.
Rationale
Research suggests that women and children are at increased risk of violence at the time of, and in the period immediately after, separation. Community workshop participants indicated that the current process for working through custody and access issues (in particular its length) can compromise the safety of women and children. Ensuring a consistent approach and effective integration in law, related policy and service delivery between the DVA and other relevant Acts should help address some of these issues.
Preliminary targets
Relevant law, policy and service delivery are consistent in approach and effectively integrated by June 2006.
Preliminary measures
- Framework for review is developed and agreed to.
- Review is completed according to the framework's criteria.
- Relevant legislation, policy and service delivery are consistent with family violence prevention guiding principles.
