annotated bibliography of new zealand research into family violence

Abstract: This dissertation proposes a restorative justice model for sexual offending basedupon therapeutic considerations. The model is designed to be integrated within the existingcriminal justice system. In this way, the framework amalgamates new restorative initiativeswith positive aspects of the existing system to achieve therapeutic outcomes for sexualoffenders, their victims and the New Zealand public. Evidence supporting the rehabilitation ofsexual offenders, particularly the success of cognitive-behavioural therapy is discussed. Thesuccess of the Kia Marama programme for sexual offenders of children is examined, andfurther therapeutic initiatives that would help reduce sexual offending are suggested.Alternative justice models, in particular the concepts of comprehensive law, therapeuticjurisprudence, restorative justice, and victims’ rights are described and critiqued. Arestorative justice framework for sexual offending is proposed. The appropriate role ofvictims in criminal justice and whether restorative justice can achieve the objectives ofcriminal justice are identified as the two primary arguments against restorative justice. Theconclusion is drawn that the most therapeutic way to assist sexual offenders, their victims andthe community is by integrating a restorative justice framework for sexual offending withinthe current system.Source: Author’s abstractPublic Health Group, Ministry of Health. (1996). Youth mental health promotion, including suicideprevention: The public health issues 1995-1996. Wellington, New Zealand: Ministry ofHealth.See: www.nzfvc.org.nz/13298.pubTopic Areas: Child abuse and neglect, Sexual abuse, Suicide/self-harm, Adolescents, Youngpersons, Mental health, Policy, Education, Prevention/intervention/treatment, Demographics/statistics, Intersectoral collaborationAbstract: This paper examines public health aspects of mental health and suicide preventionand intervention, and makes recommendations for policy, research and programmes with theaim of reducing New Zealand’s youth suicide rates. Suicide rates are examined by age,ethnicity and gender. Child sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect are identified assignificant suicide risk factors. Research findings suggest that the risk of suicide is highestamongst adolescents from dysfunctional families characterised by factors such as poorrelationships, sexual abuse and parental mental illness. Therefore, this paper posits thatprogrammes aimed at reducing youth suicide rates also need to address child abuse andviolence in the home. The benefits of family support and early intervention children’sprogrammes are discussed, and recommendations are made for an interagency coordinatedapproach to meet the needs of at-risk families to contribute to reducing suicide behaviour.This report examines the role of schools in identifying children at risk, and emphasises theneed for government agencies to respond more quickly to reports of suspected child abuse.Public Issues Committee, Auckland District Law Society. (1998). Compensation for rape and otherassaults. Auckland, New Zealand: Auckland District Law Society.See: www.nzfvc.org.nz/13221.pubTopic Areas: Sexual abuse, Sexual assault/rape, Victims/survivors, Justice, LegislationAbstract: This paper examines the issue of compensation for victims of sexual assault orsexual abuse. Sexual violence significantly impacts the victim’s life in many domains, butavenues for compensation are virtually non-existent. The victim cannot sue for damages andseek reparation through the court system. The majority of members of the Auckland DistrictLaw Society believe that victims of sexual violence should be able to pursue restorative154