Unpublished paper. This item is only available from the National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges Inc.

This paper is centred on a discussion of protection orders on the North Shore, Auckland, New Zealand. Interviews were undertaken with 31 government and non-government agencies to identify issues relating to protection orders. A number of key issues were discussed by participants, including that there was no 'obvious point of contact' in the North Shore where victims of domestic violence can go to get help or information. Discussions also highlighted a need for: better education and support for both perpetrators and victims of domestic violence; better explanations to be given to both parties on the terms of the protection order; children to be re-settled quickly so as to not re-victimise them; better advocacy for victims that would work alongside lawyers, reducing legal costs in the process; and lastly, better communication between agencies involved. This paper does not offer recommendations as its purpose is to foster discussion.