NZFVC Quick Reads: 31 January 2025

NZFVC Quick Reads: 31 January 2025

Welcome to our Quick Reads format. Each week we share selected news bites relevant to family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa. See all past NZFVC Quick reads.

Government responded to final report of Law Commission review of evidence law

The Government has responded to Te Arotake Tuatoru I te Evidence Act 2006 | The Third Review of the Evidence Act 2006, a report published by Te Aka Matua o te Ture | Law Commission. The report touched on several issues relevant to the family violence and sexual violence sectors. An overview of theses issue can be seen in our news story on the public consultation for the report. In their response, the Government acknowledged the report but made no commitments to address the substantive recommendations made therein. They cited the need for more policy work on this complex area of law and the need to balance the resourcing of such work against the Government’s other priorities. 

Evidence briefs on sexual violence perpetrated by high status/high public trust professionals

The Powerful Perpetrators project has published 7 evidence briefs on sexual violence committed by high status/high public trust professionals. Each evidence brief addresses a particular profession, including doctors, legal professionals, the military, police, politicians, religious leaders and general professionals. The project is based at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom. It examines sexual misconduct and abuse perpetrated by these professionals and the regulatory and administrative justice mechanisms used to investigate and sanction their behaviour.

New NETSAFE report: AI and Online Safety - Emerging Risks and Opportunities

Netsafe have published their report, AI and Online Safety – Emerging Risks and Opportunities (2024). It aims to analyse and provide insights into the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on online safety in several areas, including child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSAM), extremism, hate and discrimination, and cyberbullying and harassment, acknowledging that women, children and minority groups were found to have been disproportionately impacted by AI-facilitated harm. The report also seeks to identify key trends challenges, and strategies for addressing online harms, including AI-facilitated issues such as deepfakes.

Maranga Mai release response to Treaty Principles Bill, Tuku Kōrero mō te Pire Takahi Tiriti

Maranga Mai, the working group towards a People’s Action Plan Against Racism in Aotearoa, has released their response to the Treaty Principles Bill, Tuku Kōrero mō te Pire Takahi Tiriti (2025). Maranga Mai were appointed by the National Iwi Chairs’ Forum. In their response they provide a definition of racism and outline the racial dimensions of the Treaty Principles Bill as well as setting several expectations for the Government’s response to this Bill.