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The Commission was advised by the Ministry for Women in 2015 that while two
aspects of the reforms have been evaluated through a small scale qualitative study
(Family Dispute Resolution and mandatory self-representation); there has been no
comprehensive evaluation of the family justice system reforms introduced in 2014.
The Commission understands that an analysis of administrative data related to the
family justice reforms will take place in mid-2017, but is concerned that victims of
family violence may suffer in the meantime if there are problems that are not being
identified or addressed.
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The Commission recommends that the Committee urge the Government to
undertake an urgent qualitative evaluation of women and girl’s experience in the
family court, with a focus on those who are experiencing family violence.
Page 21 of 93
Human Rights Commission submission to the Human Rights Committee in relation to New Zealand’s 6th periodic review under the ICCPR