WELLINGTON, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- For the first time, chief executives from across the public service sector will be taking collective responsibility to end family and sexual violence in New Zealand.
Speaking at the annual conference of the Maori Women's Welfare League in Gisborne on Friday, Under-Secretary to the Minister of Justice Jan Logie outlined the "joint venture" approach which will ensure every part of the government is working together in a strategic, planned way.
"Everyone should be able to live free from violence, but too often people don't know where to go for help, or don't have the right kind of help available to them," Logie said.
"Family and sexual violence are complicated, affect every part of our community and demand a coordinated, committed response," she said, adding the joint venture business unit will report to a board made up of the chief executives of 10 government agencies including social development, justice and police.
"We want to see less offending, less re-offending, and fewer victims of crime who are better supported," said Minister of Justice Andrew Little.
The government is putting communities, Maori, and those most harmed by family and sexual violence at the center of the decision-making and working for "long-lasting, positive change," Logie said.
