Thesis submitted for the degree of Master of Arts (Applied) in Social Work, Victoria University of Wellington.

This study focuses on battered women's experiences of the Family Court, particularly experiences of court counselling processes. It investigates the procedures involved in making application to the Court for a non-violence or non-molestation order, and evaluates the court process and its impact on women's lives. Quantitative data was derived from an analysis of 94 cases which came before the Lower Hutt Family Court between February and May 1988, and had a recorded history of family violence. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 women applicants and six Family Court solicitors, and a questionnaire sent to all refuges currently affiliated to the National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges. Most of the changes that Moore advocates relate to counselling procedures. The study shows that current practices do not result in positive outcomes, and highlights the need for the Family Court to make use of specialised services for women and their families affected by family violence. The research is based largely on the experiences of Pākehā women in an urban court. The researcher suggests that it may also be useful to investigate other aspects of the Family Court, for example, the experiences and perspectives of Māori or migrant women who have used the Family Court system, as well as those of men and children.