Bakshi Kanwaljit Singh: Child and Family Protection Bill — Second Reading 
Bakshi Kanwaljit Singh: Child and Family Protection Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:666;Page:13876] 
KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National) 
: 
 I stand to support the second reading of the Child and Family Protection Bill. Since this National-led Government under the leadership of the Rt Hon John Key was established it has made a commitment to strengthen the ability of the courts to act to protect children and families from all forms of violence. The Government has sought amendments to the Domestic Violence Act 1995 to provide greater protection for children and victims of domestic violence with the introduction of programmes that are more responsive to their needs. This is met by the introduction of a protection order that applies for the benefit of a child often applicable until the age of 17 years. It is important to recognise that young people are still children when 17 years old and still require the protection of the law contained in this bill. 
This bill also allows registrars to require offenders to attend a Stopping Violence Services programme. Previously only a judge could do that. A change in the Adoption Act has also been initiated. It creates a new offence of improperly inducing consent for the adoption of a child and that is to be punishable by a term of imprisonment up to 7 years. We have to ensure that the law is thoroughly effective to prevent the illegal trafficking of children which is a worldwide dilemma. This bill also enhances the protection of children who are at risk from being wrongfully removed from New Zealand. It delivers on the Government’s commitment to protect the welfare and best interests of children internationally. This Government is committed to looking after the welfare of children. The amendments proposed by this bill will improve the safety of children in New Zealand. 
As most of us are probably aware police are called to about 80000 domestic violence incidents each year. With over 200 women and children killed from domestic violence over the last 12 years it is clear that New Zealand is facing an epidemic of domestic violence. One woman is killed by her partner or ex-partner every 5 weeks and annually the Women’s Refuge helps about 20000 women. It is tragic that about 10 children per year are killed in domestic violence incidents and more are injured. The Child and Family Protection Bill is a continuation of this Government’s ongoing commitment to dealing effectively with family violence. This Government has not stopped working on addressing the issue of domestic violence. Children are harmed by seeing hearing or living with violence in the home. Exposure to psychological abuse can be just as damaging as any other form of violence. The number of children suffering from psychological abuse is increasing in New Zealand or perhaps it is just that now we are taking it more seriously. This change in the legislation will ensure that those children are taken into account and it allows the courts to look at psychological abuse in as serious a light as they do physical and sexual abuse. 
In conclusion the ultimate aim of the legislation along with the Domestic Violence (Enhancing Safety) Bill 2008 is to ensure that the victims are placed at the heart of the justice system. This Government intends on sending a clear message that offences against children are not acceptable. We are working hard to reduce violence in our community and with this bill we are a step closer.