This paper discusses one aspect of a study (Koloto, 2003) that explored the needs of Pacific peoples who have been victims of violence, family violence and property offences. (The Koloto study was commissioned by the Ministry of Justice and was designed to provide qualitative information to complement the quantitative information of the second national survey of crime victims, "New Zealand National Survey of Crime Victims 2001", released in 2003). Family violence forms the basis of discussion for this paper, with a focus on the needs of Pacific women who have been subjected to this type of violence. The interview data from 34 Pacific women, who were identified in the family violence category, is examined. Discussion is provided on the following: the women's experiences of support services, including the criminal justice system; the effectiveness of these support systems in meeting the women's needs; and the individual and familial impact of the crime. Key areas of needs are identified, and the paper concludes with some suggestions for social policy implications.

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Social Policy Journal of New Zealand, July 2005, 26: 84-96