Summarised by Centrist
Victims’ advocate Ruth Money is concerned that without more resources on the frontlines to deal with the spectre of family violence, NZ will be stuck in the same decades-old cycle.
Following a government report highlighting a surge in violent crime victims—up by nearly 30,000 over the past year— Money is calling for urgent investment in frontline support.
While Prime Minister Christopher Luxon argues his policies need time to work, Money believes it will take at least 12 months to see any real change.
Money believes that increasing police numbers alone won’t be enough. Rehabilitation, reintegration, and cross-sector collaboration are essential, as addressing crime requires action in health, education, and social support. “We need everything to work together, and that’s what’s not happening right now,” she says.
She says that family violence, a major issue in New Zealand, is a major part of the cycle of violence that must be addressed.
“It’s a learned behaviour, and we can unlearn it, but only with resources.
“If all we did was address family violence, we would create a more humane and successful society. We could break much of the cycle of violence by genuinely working to change the family violence landscape in New Zealand.”
