This paper was presented by Principal Family Court Judge Boshier at the Waikato Domestic Violence Hui, in March 2007. A discussion is provided on the action that is being taken as a result of the first report of the Family Violence Taskforce (published in July 2006). Other initiatives that aim to stem the flow of domestic violence are also discussed. In examining deaths from family violence, 23 cases (during the period October 2005 - December 2007), are outlined and discussed. The areas covered in this paper include: the Family Court's role in preventing family violence, concerns and solutions, protection and due process, cost of applying for an order, family violence training for lawyers, childcare and family violence, eliminating delay from the Court process, enforcement of orders and accountability, prosecuting non-attendance, further initiatives from the criminal justice system, and reflections on the most serious incidents of family violence. The author notes the current way of addressing family violence is treating symptoms and helping those already suffering. It is concluded that the issue of family violence needs real social changes with an emphasis on primary prevention and stopping the violence before it occurs.

New Zealand Family Law Journal 5(10) June 2007 : 240-248