Paper presented at the Police Executive Conference, Nelson, New Zealand, 8 November 2005

This conference paper discusses how the justice system's response to family violence has evolved, with specific reference to the courts. A brief discussion provides some statistics on the incidence of domestic violence in New Zealand. The response of community agencies is also briefly traversed. The change from an adversarial to a more proactive approach in the courts is examined. The problem-solving court as a proactive strategy is explored, and the processes of the Manukau and Waitakere Family Violence Courts are given as examples. Evidence and police investigation methods are also explored. The paper concludes that both Police and court processes that meet the needs of families, and are prompt in doing so, are essential to an effective response to domestic violence.

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