Te Awatea Review 4(2) December 2006 : 3-6

This commentary discusses the lack of support for victims of domestic violence in New Zealand in terms of the criminal justice response. It argues that this response has focused predominantly on perpetrators at the expense of supporting victims. A report is cited (see Hann, 2004) that provides examples of deficits in the implementation of services under the Domestic Violence Act (1995). Victims' rights and responces to their needs are discussed. Examples are given of the measures that have been adopted internationally to support women who have been the subject of domestic violence.