Minister critical of support group statement

Press, 9 May 1981, Page 6

Minister critical of support group statement

Parliamentary reporter The founder of the Christchurch Battered Wives Support Group. Dr John Church, has been criticised by the Minister of Justice (Mr McLay). Dr Church apparently did not understand the nonmolestation order, Mr McLay said.

He was referring to Dr Church’s assertion on Radio New Zealand’s “Morning Re-. port” yesterday that with the | introduction of the new fam- I ily law the non-molestation ordder had been “ruined.” '“The position is that the non-molestation order continues to provide protection to battered wives in the circumstances Dr Church described.” Mr McLay said. “Provision for occupation orders in the Family Proceedings Act is intended to give additional protection." Dr Church had (also suggested that a Royal Commission of Inquiry should be set up to look into family violence. Mr McLay said the question of domestic violence had been considered by the Parliamentary Select Com-

mittee on Violent Offending only two years ago, and that special domestic violence legislation was to be introduced to Parliament this year.

That should be a clear indication that the Government was keenly aware of the problem and anxious to do something to deal with it. Mr McLay said.