This member's bill amends the Evidence Act 2006 to extend protections for parties and witnesses giving evidence of sexual assault or family harm in the Family Court, mirroring protections available to similar witnesses in criminal proceedings. It was enacted as the Evidence (Giving Family Violence Evidence in Family Court Proceedings) Amendment Act 2025.
This bill amends the Evidence Act 2006 to strengthen protections for people giving evidence about sexual assault or family violence in the Family Court. It extends “alternative ways of giving evidence” — such as testifying from behind a screen, by video link, or in a pre-recorded form — to Family Court proceedings, bringing them into line with protections already available to similar witnesses in criminal cases. It mainly affects victims and survivors of family harm and sexual violence, other Family Court parties and witnesses, and the Family Court itself.
It originated as a member's bill (a proposal introduced by an individual MP rather than the Government). Supporters say it reduces the risk of re-traumatising victims who would otherwise have to recount abuse in the same room as an alleged perpetrator, and it creates consistency between the criminal and family jurisdictions. Potential concerns centre on ensuring respondents can still fairly test and question evidence, and on the resourcing and technology courts need to offer these alternative methods.
See the Parliament.nz ↗ site for the full bill.