1. Systemic abuse by the NZ Family Court A major violation of women and children’s human rights

2. Violence against women and children in NZ
NZ is worst in the world
Sustainable development goal #5 (indirectly #1,3,4,8,10,16)
UPR Cycle 2: 29 recommendations made - 27 supported and 2 noted
Family Court issue has emerged since Cycle 2
Backbone has heard from many hundreds of women – on line surveys, FB and messages and phone and in person
Horrified by what we have found….

3. Key findings
The Family Court processes and professionals further victimise and abuse women and children
Father’s right to access to child is prioritised over child’s right to safety and the child’s views
Abusive father’s are seen as safe for children to spend time alone with
Dangerous and non-evidence based practices are being used eg parental alienation
Abusers are using the Family Court as a new tool to abuse their ex partner – often for many years
There are no checks and balances – limited opportunities to appeal or complain
NZ has strong legislation – the problem is in the interpretation and application of the legislation
A culture of systemic abuse - state funded abuse
Women and children are trapped – if they resist, things get a great deal worse

4. Backbone’s action Reports, submissions, briefings and media statements
Calls for Royal Commission of Inquiry
Meetings with Minister, Under-secretary, Acting Principal Family Court Judge
CEDAW and UPR submissions
CEDAW hearing 12th July 2018

5. A government in denial
Ministerial panel (all lawyers) to review the 2014 Family Court reforms
As the [new government’s] review will be focused on the operation of the 2014 reforms, it is not intended to include consideration of criticisms of the Family Court more generally. (current Minister for Justice 3rd July 2018)
CEDAW report 20th July 2018
Establish a Royal Commission to recommend necessary legislative and structural changes
Invite the special rapporteur
Make legislation and policy changes
Ensure domestic violence, whether directed at the child or at the mother, is properly considered in child custody disputes
Review the reliance on the Parental Alienation theory, with a view to limit its usage in child custody disputes.
NZ Government 24th July 2018
Asked by TVNZ journalist whether he would upgrade his review to a Royal Commission: No I don’t think we need to – we have a fair idea what the problem points are….