annotated bibliography of new zealand research into family violence

the mothers continued to experience depression and other mental health problems. Thewomen in the study did disclose various positive outcomes from participating in the group,such as feeling empowered, support from others in a similar situation, and developing a senseof self.Patterson, T. G. (2002). Interviewer’s questions, children’s responses: Assessments of children whomay have been abused. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Otago, Dunedin,New Zealand.See: www.nzfvc.org.nz/12312.pubTopic Areas: Child abuse and neglect, Physical abuse, Sexual abuse, Children, Children asvictims, Justice, Care and protection, Prevention/intervention/treatmentAbstract: This thesis is based on interviews conducted with a sample of 26 children, aged 3to 8 years, who were assessed regarding concerns that they may have been abused, and on 88transcripts of children undergoing a diagnostic assessment for potential sexual or physicalabuse at a regional Child, Youth and Family protection agency. Three issues are considered:how children were questioned; how they responded; and the conditions under which thechildren disclosed substantive issues.The author argues that there are specific techniques that enable children to disclose abusemore comfortably, and specific techniques that inhibit any sort of disclosure. The authorfurther argues that many of the procedures in place in the court system currently fall in thesecond category and actually inhibit the child as they are focussed on evidence and proof,rather than putting the child at ease. Recommendations are made for further research in thearea of effective methods for interviewing children, as well as recognition of the three studiesin current practice.Paulin, J., Kingi, V., Huirama, T., & Lash, B. (2005). The Rotorua Second Chance Community-Managed Restorative Justice Programme: An evaluation. Wellington, New Zealand: Ministryof Justice. Retrieved December 21, 2005, from http://www.justice.govt.nz/pubs/reports/2005/rotorua-second-chance-community-managed-restorative-justice/index.htmlSee: www.nzfvc.org.nz/12783.pubTopic Areas: Intimate partner abuse, Child abuse and neglect, Perpetrators/offenders,Victims/survivors, Maori, Justice, Restorative justice, Communities, Prevention/intervention/treatment, Demographics/statisticsAbstract: This report, produced by the Ministry of Justice, re-evaluates the Rotorua SecondChance Programme (RSCP). This programme facilitates a restorative system for offendersand victims of domestic violence and other violent offences. The purpose of this evaluation isto ascertain the effectiveness of the tikanga-based (Maori customs and values) restorativejustice process and to identify best practice principles. A description of the programme,including the objectives, cultural aspects, referral and restorative justice procedures isoutlined. The evaluation shows that the objectives around community and victim participationin the restorative justice process were met with approximately 83% of participating victims‘satisfied’ with the process and outcomes. The programme was not effective in reducing reoffendingrates as findings show that a one-year reconviction rate is similar between theparticipants in this programme and a comparison group matched for offending history,offence characteristics and demographic features. This report identifies that relevantstakeholders thought very highly of the RSCP staff; and the links between the programme, TeArawa Maori Trust Board and the community were valued. Best practice areas, in accordancewith the Ministry of Justices’ principles, are evaluated and four areas of improvement are144