These sessions will cover topics of sexual violence and family violence that may be difficult or distressing - please take care.

Evidence to Practice Sessions are a series of conversations that bridge the gap between research and practical application. Each session features a concise 15-minute presentation on the latest research, followed by a 30-minute discussion on the practical implications of the work, led by a Te Puna Aonui practice lead.

Following the presentation and discussion, this format allows for Q&A which ensures that the sessions are not only informative but also highly relevant to real-world practice.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Screening and identifying family violence risk from people using violence - Professor Silke Meyer | Wednesday 30 April 12:00-12:50pm

Register for this event via our LinkedIn page(external link)

Join us for the first Evidence to Practice Session of 2025 to discuss evidence from Australia on screening for domestic family violence (DFV) perpetration among male service users, including opportunities for risk assessment and referral pathways.

Following substantial domestic and family violence reforms in Australia, the identification of victim-survivors is increasingly embedded across service system responses. Comparatively, while men using DFV often have contact with many services, their use of DFV is often not identified.

Drawing on findings from a mixed-methods study with practitioners across mental health, alcohol and other drug (AOD), corrections and child protection services, this presentation explores barriers to and enablers of screening for DFV perpetration, conducting risk assessments and creating referral pathways for shared risk management.

Professor Silke Meyer is the Leneen Forde Chair in Child & Family Research and a Professor of Social Work at Griffith University.She is a criminologist and social worker by training, bringing practical and theoretical expertise to her research, teaching and writing. Her research centres on different aspects of domestic and family violence, including women and children’s safety and wellbeing, men’s accountability in their role as perpetrators and fathers, experiences specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the role of domestic and family violence-informed practice in child protection, healthcare, policing and court related service delivery. Silke regularly delivers training on domestic and family violence informed practice to police, magistrates, family law and healthcare practitioners.

Previous Sessions

Kathryn, TP, and Brian talked through key themes from their research with men in Aotearoa New Zealand, including men who currently and formerly used violence. The researchers discussed elements of these men’s mindsets and share what they have learned about the environments and conditions that support or hinder men’s change.

This is part of a body of research which includes the ‘Man Rules of New Zealand’, ‘Understanding the Support Needs of Users of Violence’, an ongoing longitudinal study, and development research for the ‘In Your Hands’ web portal In Your Hands. As a whole, the research the position and the perspectives of men with harmful behaviours, those who are often unwilling, unable, or feeling powerless to change. The research has informed Change is Possible, the latest phase of the Campaign for Action on Family Violence, which seeks to mobilise men around change journeys and create environments that support men’s change. Change Is Possible. 

Evidence to Practice Session | Men's Journey of Change

This discussion was about the recent review of Family Violence Death Review (FVDR) data relating to stalking. The review looked at stalking within the context of the intimate partner violence (IPV) and child abuse and neglect (CAN) homicides reviewed by the Committee between January 2020 and June 2024. The research presented in this session provides compound narratives of stalking, key themes from the evidence, and some reflective questions for people to use in practice settings.

Presentation by Principal Advisor Kiri Matiatos for family violence mortality review at Te Tāhū Hauora, discussion with Dr Nicola Atwool from the Family Violence Subject Matter Expert Group (formerly FVDRC) and Mary Beresford-Jones from Te Puna Aonui Business Unit.

Evidence to Practice | Data relating to Stalking - Family Violence Death Review

This session discussed policy and practice insights from the recent HRC funded study ‘Atawhai’. This research aimed to make it easier to respond to family violence in primary care settings. Developed by providers, the ‘Atawhai Network’ builds trusted quality relationships between health care and family violence agencies to support safe responses to whānau and families. 

Presentation by Dr Claire Gear, Hazel Hape, Gabrielle Moss from Atawhai, and Adrienne Everest from Te Puna Aonui Business Unit.

Evidence to Practice | Atawhai - Responding to family violence in Primary Care | Te Puna Aonui

This session was with Professor Michael Salter, who is the Director of Childlight University of NSW, the Australasian hub of Childlight. This work is part of the Global Child Safety Institute, which undertakes research for impact on child sexual abuse and exploitation. Professor Salter conducts national and international research on child sexual exploitation, gender-based violence and complex trauma.

Evidence to Practice Session | Professor Michael Salter

Last modified:

Department of Corrections‎ Logo
Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children Logo
Ministry of Health Logo
Te Puni Kōkiri Logo
Ministry of Social Development Logo
Ministry of Education Logo
Ministry of Justice Logo
New Zealand Police Logo
ACC Logo