Warren-Clark AngieANGIE WARREN-CLARK (Labour): Tēnā koe. It is a real pleasure to stand tonight and to talk about the Family and Whānau Violence Legislation Bill. This has indeed been my life's work. I remember back—in the beginning of time it almost seems—when we were working under the Domestic Protection Act. That then became the Domestic Violence Act and I worked for 11 years as a domestic violence adviser in the Ministry of Justice—my role was to know that Act inside out. So it is a pleasure to stand tonight and to talk a little bit more about this omnibus bill that is before the House tonight.I want to talk very briefly on three aspects. The Criminal Procedure Act amendment inserts new section 16A specifying that an offence is recorded and listed as a charge for family violence. Why have I picked on that particular provision? The Criminal Procedure Act 2011 is important—as I know having worked in the Family Court and across the jurisdictions of family and criminal law the two jurisdictions do not speak to each naturally. As we know the Family Court is a quiet closed and private court so the relationship between the two jurisdictions is not naturally and easily breached. So it is noted on the record across the jurisdictions. This assists the judiciary in making decisions around the process of conviction and the information. It is relevant and interesting information. It is important information particularly where there have been charges in the criminal jurisdictions which would not naturally travel across to the Family Court particularly in matters of custody and day-to-day care. So I want to make reference to the amendment to insert new section 16A.I'd also like to talk—and others have—around the amendment to the Crimes Act around strangulation. I have spoken in this House previously about my work in both the Family Court but also as a manager in a refuge. Strangulation is defined as blocking that other person's nose mouth or both:". It's extremely important that this aspect is put in because people do not understand that they have been strangled often. We would ask the question quite a lot "Have you ever been strangled or choked?" and they'd say to us "No. No I haven't." "Did he hold his hand over your mouth?" "Yes." "Did he hold you down and prevent you from breathing?" "Yes." That is the highest and most risky indicator of death and it is extremely serious. So I wholeheartedly support strangulation going into the Crimes Act through this bill.I'd also like to very very briefly talk about the meaning of family violence. It is with great pleasure that I see the extension of the family violence definition. Now the reason I talk about that is that clearly under the Domestic Violence Act we had physical sexual and psychological abuse but what we have now is an extension and it's an important extension. It is the cumulative effects. It can be one act or it can be the cumulative effects of patterns of violence. That coercive control is recognised and acknowledged. I do have to acknowledge the Hon Amy Adams for bringing the original bill to the House. We will be making some changes through a Supplementary Order Paper. However she has done this House and our country a great service in the work that she has done to bring this to the House. I also want to acknowledge the select committee in this process. So very finally in my concluding statement I would like to recommend that we as a House stop the petty politics across the floor and start voting for these bills including our previous domestic violence leave bill. I say to the Opposition please just start supporting the changes that this Government is bringing in. We all recognise domestic violence is an evil. Just start supporting us. I commend this bill to the House."