Programme brings Pacific Police leaders to NZ

Twelve police officers from eleven different Pacific countries will visit New Zealand during June 2015 to take part in the Pacific Prevention of Domestic Violence Programme.

A joint initiative of the New Zealand Aid Programme, New Zealand Police, and the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP) the Pacific Prevention of Domestic Violence Programme (PPDVP) aims to increase the capacity of Police in the Pacific to prevent and respond to domestic violence.

As part of the week long study tour, leaders of police family violence units from countries such as Tonga, Vanuatu, Samoa and the Solomon Islands will shadow police officers from the Counties Manukau district to see how domestic violence incidents are dealt with. The officers will also learn about case management, targeting of high risk families, developing a focus on preventing further harm and attend a Family Court session.

Manager of Māori and Pacific Ethnic Services and Counties Manukau District Inspector Nga-Wati Chaplow said "This programme has a long term vision of achieving a safer Pacific, free from domestic violence. A key component of the work with the Pacific Police services is to ensure that their response to family violence is managed in a coordinated way with both government and non-government agencies. This ensures a consistent approach and an effective use of resources, while also applying a strong gender and human rights focus to the work of Police."

PPDVP supports the Pacific Islands Forum leaders who endorsed the Nadi Accord in April 2014. PPDVP manager Cam Ronald urged leaders to endorse the Accord at the annual Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP) conference in October 2014.

PPDVP is also involved in violence prevention initiatives involving New Zealand Rugby and White Ribbon Day activities. For more information visit the PPDVP website.

Media

PPDVP study tour visits Comms Centre, PPDVP, 20.06.2015