Submission on the Evidence (Giving Evidence of Family Violence) Amendment Bill

Family violence is a significant child rights issue in Aotearoa New Zealand. In its 2023 Concluding Observations on Aotearoa New Zealand, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child (UN Committee) identified violence against children as a priority issue needing urgent attention.

While acknowledging that much more preventative and response action focusing specifically on children, rangatahi and families and whānau is urgently needed, Mana Mokopuna supports the intention of this Bill and commends the Government for taking steps to strengthen protections for mokopuna involved in family violence cases, particularly in legal and court settings.

This submission highlights:

• The voices of mokopuna who have experienced family violence and/or sexual violence
• The importance of embedding mokopuna participation and voices in decision-making processes
• The relevant recommendations of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child.