annotated bibliography of new zealand research into family violence

abused. The author provides an analysis of the Evidence Act (1908), including a list ofbehaviours classed as consistent with sexual abuse under s23(g) of this piece of legislation.The difficulty in determining the effects of sexual abuse, and what behaviours constitute a‘consistency’ with sexual abuse is emphasised. The author argues for changes to s23(g) of theEvidence Act, such as increased emphasis on research and scientific evidence as opposed toclinical experience, and a clear definition of ‘consistent with sexual abuse’. The authorcontends that psychological evidence is admissible if the testimony has scientific reliability.Atkin, B. (1998, January). The Domestic Violence Act. New Zealand Law Journal, 24-26, 31.See: www.nzfvc.org.nz/13089.pubTopic Areas: Intimate partner abuse, Child abuse and neglect, Families, Women, Children,Justice, Protection orders, LegislationAbstract: This article presents an examination of the use and abuse of the Domestic ViolenceAct (1995). Definitions of terms under the Domestic Violence Act have been extended fromthat of the Domestic Protection Act (1982), which the author claims has led to misuse of theAct at the expense of genuine domestic violence victims. Under the Domestic Violence Act,children and other family members can now bring protection orders against each other. Theauthor compares the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Act (1989) with theDomestic Violence Act, and suggests that the Children, Young Persons and Their FamiliesAct strives to keep families together whilst the Domestic Violence Act appears to breakfamilies apart. Examples of legal cases are provided to illustrate the issues raised by theauthor.Attrill, P. M. (1999). More than a death: Dangerous dynamics and their impact on social workpractice at the Children, Young Persons and their Families Agency. Unpublished master’sthesis, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.See: www.nzfvc.org.nz/13192.pubTopic Areas: Child abuse and neglect, Neglect, Child homicide, Families, Children asvictims, Care and protection, Legislation, Policy, Social services, Cultural practice,Intersectoral collaborationAbstract: This research takes a fresh look at five cases known to the Children, YoungPersons and their Families Agency where children on the caseloads of social workers diedfrom non-accidental injury. A range of dangerous dynamics are identified and defined. Theseare then applied to each of the sample cases with a view to determining whether or not theywere apparent leading up to and at the time the children died. Conclusions are drawn on thebasis of the findings and recommendations are made with respect to future management ofcases where dangerous dynamics exist in the relationships social workers have with familieswith which they are working. The purpose of this research is two-fold. The author’s primaryintention is to contribute significantly to the body of knowledge that exists with respect tounderstanding child deaths and the role social workers have in relation to such tragedies. Inaddition, it is intended that the findings of this research will contribute to the prevention offuture deaths of children on the caseloads of child protection workers.Source: Author’s abstractAtwool, N. (1999). Attachment in the school setting. New Zealand Journal of Educational Studies,34(2), 309-322.8