annotated bibliography of new zealand research into family violence

identified. These are: that victims remain updated throughout the process; that victiminformed consent be obtained prior to beginning the process; that safety and supports for allparticipants be maintained; and that programme staff receive ongoing supervision andtraining. Particular issues around using a restorative process for family or sexual violence areanalysed as this is a sensitive and important consideration, especially when the victim is achild.Perry, N. C. R. (1999). An empirical study of applications for protection orders made to theChristchurch Family Court. Unpublished manuscript, University of Canterbury,Christchurch, New Zealand.See: www.nzfvc.org.nz/13245.pubTopic Areas: Intimate partner abuse, Physical abuse, Psychological/emotional abuse, Sexualabuse, Families, Women, Children, Perpetrators/offenders, Children as victims, Children aswitnesses, Justice, Protection orders, Legislation, Prevention/intervention/treatment,Demographics/statisticsAbstract: This dissertation investigates the efficacy of the Domestic Violence Act (1995), theaim of which is to reduce and prevent violence in domestic relationships. The objectives ofthe research were twofold. The first objective was to conduct quantitative research to assessthe impact of the Act in the Christchurch Family Court on applications for protection ordersand the outcome of these applications. The second objective was to address areas of concernwhere research findings could help Family Court staff to address particular concerns they hadregarding applications for protection orders. A sample of 208 applications for protectionorders, made to the Christchurch Family Court between 1 January to 30 September 1997,were gathered for analysis. Data was collected from an examination of the affidavits filed bythe applicants in support of an application for a protection order; notices and affidavits filedby respondents to defend the making of a final protection order; information sheets; judges’notes; and Court orders.The results of the study show that almost all applicants for protection orders were women andof European descent. Just over half (58.2%) had previously reported their respondent’sdomestic violence and/or harassment towards them to police on at least one occasion prior tomaking their application. In 62% of the cases the abuse had been occurring for years (mean of4.5 years) and the analysis of the affidavits showed that the major grounds for applicationswere alleged psychological and physical abuse. Abuse also occurred in front of children(14.4% witnessed physical abuse and 28.1% witnessed psychological abuse). Children werealso subjected to physical abuse (18%) and psychological abuse (14.4%). The majority ofapplicants for protection orders obtained a protection order. Where applicants who applied tohave their proceedings withdrawn were compared with those who did not, there was asignificant difference by type of application (on notice and without notice), and whether therespondent gave notice to defend the making of a protection order. The author provides anumber of recommendations for improving domestic violence practice and concludes withsome suggestions for further research.Perry, N. C. R. (2000). An empirical study of applications for protection orders made to theChristchurch Family Court. Butterworths Family Law Journal, 3(6), 139-145.See: www.nzfvc.org.nz/12953.pubTopic Areas: Intimate partner abuse, Physical abuse, Psychological/emotional abuse, Sexualabuse, Women, Justice, Protection ordersAbstract: This article presents the findings from a study of 208 applications for protection145