Family violence cases are especially complex and often require particular insight and understanding.

This FREE full-day forum will increase and deepen your knowledge of the background dynamics of family and intimate partner violence.

From the Chair

Lawyers may find themselves acting for those using or experiencing family violence in a wide range of legal contexts and in relation to a range of legal issues. The demands on lawyers in relation to this complex and specialised issue are changing. For example, judges are receiving training on family violence dynamics and the District Court in its criminal jurisdiction is modifying a traditional adversarial approach by seeking to include innovations from the solution-focussed courts. In this forum, experts will provide you with the most up to date understandings around family violence, as well as discussing a range of recent developments and possibilities in the context of criminal law, family law and tenancy law.

Chair: Professor Julia Tolmie, University of Auckland, Auckland

Programme

The phrases “Family Violence” and ‘Intimate Partner Violence’ are familiar to many lawyers, and frequently used to describe the complex, difficult situations which often end up in courts. But while many lawyers are acquainted with the outcomes of family and intimate partner violence, knowledge and understanding of the background dynamics in these cases is also vital.

The programme will include presentations by all the panellists, and plenty of time for discussion and questions. 

Topics covered will include:

• Understanding IPV as social/systemic entrapment and, particularly, representing women who are victims.
• Financial abuse
• Legal processes as a tool of abuse
• Victims as offenders
• Restorative justice
• Cultural Reports
• ... and more.

Download the programme for the day

Learning objectives

By attending this forum you will gain:

• Deeper understanding of how and why family and intimate partner violence may occur and their effects.
• More confidence in advising and working with your clients.
• Greater ability to take a holistic approach in proceedings.

Format

This forum will include a mix of presentations, discussion and comment from all presenters. You will be able to ask questions in advance and during the forum.

Materials

There is a large amount of excellent research, practical websites and other relevant reading available online. View the forum resources here
We recommend you spend at least two hours preparing for the forum.  

Presenters

• Chair: Professor Julia Tolmie, University of Auckland, Auckland
• His Honour Justice Matthew Palmer, High Court, Auckland
• Jon Everest, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington
• Professor Elisabeth McDonald MNZM, University of Canterbury, Christchurch
• Dr Ayesha Scott, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland
• Dr Bridgette Toy-Cronin, University of Otago, Dunedin
• Professor Denise Wilson, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland

Timing

• The forum is on Thursday 20 May at the James Cook Hotel or you can attend online. It will run from 9.00am - 4.00pm and there will be breaks for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.
• Live web stream registrations close 3pm Wednesday 20 May.

Who should attend

Criminal, family, employment lawyers, and litigators in all areas.

All lawyers who want to improve their ability to recognise family and intimate partner violence dynamics as part of general practice.

Fee (incl GST)

Forum

• This programme is offered free of charge - but you must still register.
• Live web stream registrations close 3pm Wednesday 20 May.

Download PDF Brochure & registration form here.

Sponsored by 

Wellington	20 May
Live Web Stream	20 May

Cancellation policy

NZLS CLE Ltd reserves the right to cancel or reschedule this programme if necessary.