ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY OF
NEW ZEALAND RESEARCH INTO
FAMILY VIOLENCE
April 2006
Volume II
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this document are not necessarily those of the New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse and cannot be taken as any expressions of Clearinghouse policy. This work is copyright. It may be reproduced in part for study or training purposes, subject to the inclusion of acknowledgements of the source. Commercial usage or sale is not permitted.
To obtain copies of this document, or to submit or notify us of past, current, or planned research that makes a contribution to the family violence field, please contact:
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Introduction
This is an annotated bibliography of New Zealand family violence research and evaluation published from 1996 until mid-2006. There are a small number of items included that were published prior to 1996 as these were not included in An Agenda for Family Violence Research (1998). The current bibliography includes Government reports, reports from various community organisations, journal articles, literature reviews, conference proceedings, and master’s theses and doctoral dissertations.
Each item listed in the bibliography includes a citation (using American Psychological Association format), its related New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse (NZFVC) Topic Areas, and a brief non-evaluative annotation.
The annotated bibliography is available as an online document from the NZFVC website. Individual items from the bibliography are also listed within ‘The Library’ section of the NZFVC website, where international literature can also be found. ‘The Library’ will be kept up-to-date with new publications in the field of family violence as they become available, and can be accessed from the Research and Publications webpage, www.nzfvc.org.nz/Research.aspx.
From the Research and Publications web page, the user can search for an item(s) in a number of ways: By going directly to ‘The Library’, items can be searched alphabetically by title; or a title/author/keyword can be entered into the Site Search box at the top of the page.
Additionally, the user can search via the NZFVC Topic Areas, which are arranged under three sub-headings: Types of family violence; Groups affected by family violence; and Related issues. A search by topic area keyword will return all documents from the website that relate to that particular Topic Area.
There is also an Advanced Search function, which allows the user to carry out wild card searches, searches for exact phrases, and searches for multiple keywords, phrases or Topic Areas. (See http://www.nzfvc.org.nz/AdvancedSearch.aspx for details on how to complete these types of searches.)
Adams, P. J., Towns, A., & Gavey, N. (1995). Dominance and entitlement: The rhetoric men use to discuss their violence towards women. Discourse and Society, 6(3), 387-406.
See: www.nzfvc.org.nz/13003.pub
Topic Areas: Intimate partner abuse, Physical abuse, Psychological/emotional abuse, Women, Perpetrators/offenders, Cultural factors, Gender
Abstract: The authors of this article discuss the discourses used by abusive men when explaining their violence towards their female partners and when asserting their dominance over their partners. The research involved qualitative interviews with men, in which they were asked to explain their understanding of women’s role in society and within an intimate relationship. The findings outline the metaphors and discourse of ‘natural entitlement’ employed by the men, in which men were considered to be the head of the family, and had the right to hit or use physical force against women who did not comply with their partner’s demands.
Adolescent Health Research Group. (2004). Te ara whakapiki taitamariki: Maori specific findings of Youth2000, a national secondary school youth health survey. New Zealand: University of Auckland. Retrieved January 10, 2006, from http://www.youth2000.ac.nz/maori.html
See: www.nzfvc.org.nz/13271.pub
Topic Areas: Child abuse and neglect, Sexual abuse, Adolescents, Maori, Health, Mental health
Abstract: This report represents findings from the Youth2000 secondary school youth health survey, a national survey of Maori health and wellbeing. The aim of the survey was to highlight factors that promote, influence or hinder Maori health and growth. Among other factors, this study links sexual abuse and child abuse to negative health developments for Maori, and recommends urgent action to prevent sexual abuse of Maori youth. Sexuality education, feeling safe, and the ability to access appropriate resources are suggested to provide good sexual health for Maori youth.
Age Concern New Zealand. (1999). Age Concern Elder Abuse and Neglect services: A report of statistics and service developments covering the three years from July 1996 to July 1999. Wellington, New Zealand: Author.
See: www.nzfvc.org.nz/11878.pub
Topic Areas: Elder abuse and neglect, Older persons, Policy, Prevention/intervention/ treatment, Demographics/statistics
Abstract: This report provides updated information about Age Concern New Zealand Elder Abuse and Neglect services, reports on statistical data collected from 1 July 1998 to 30 June 1999, and provides data comparisons over the 3-year period from 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1999. In planning for the future, Age Concern asks the Government to formally recognise the United Nations Principles for Older Persons (1991), and to ensure reflection of these Principles in all policies that impact on the lives of older people today and in the future.
Age Concern New Zealand. (2002). Age Concern Elder Abuse and Neglect services: The need for a national database for all elder abuse and neglect services in New Zealand and an analysis of referrals (for the period 1 July 1998 to 30 June 2001): Report to Ministers of the Crown and the Ministry of Social Development. Wellington, New Zealand: Author.
See: www.nzfvc.org.nz/11879.pub
Topic Areas: Elder abuse and neglect, Older persons, Demographics/statistics
Abstract: This report presents data on referrals to Age Concern New Zealand Elder Abuse and Neglect services from 1 July 1998 to 30 June 2001. Data was gathered from 14 Age Concern services and provides indicative information about elder abuse and neglect in New Zealand. However, it is not necessarily representative of the overall incidence of elder abuse and neglect in New Zealand. The report acknowledges the need to improve knowledge about elder abuse and neglect, and inform the development of strategies to combat this type of violence. Among its recommendations, the report states that to improve data collection, it is necessary to develop a national database incorporating data from all Elder Abuse and Neglect prevention and intervention providers, and improve the Age Concern database.
Age Concern New Zealand. (2004). Elder abuse and enduring power of attorney: A special report from the Age Concern New Zealand Elder Abuse and Neglect Database covering the period 1 July 2002 to 31 December 2003. Wellington, New Zealand: Author.
See: www.nzfvc.org.nz/11971.pub
Topic Areas: Elder abuse and neglect, Older persons, Policy, Social services, Demographics/ statistics
Abstract: This is a special topic report drawing on Age Concern New Zealand’s Elder Abuse and Neglect Database. The topic of Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) was selected in response to interest in EPA and elder abuse and neglect, both in New Zealand and internationally. The report’s authors identify changes to the data collection tool prior to commencing data collection for 2004/05, and report on findings of the data analysis and lessons learned through the process of preparing the report.
Age Concern New Zealand. (2005). Age Concern Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention services: An analysis of referrals for the period: 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2004. Wellington, New Zealand: Author.
See: www.nzfvc.org.nz/12396.pub
Topic Areas: Elder abuse and neglect, Neglect, Suicide/self-harm, Financial exploitation, Older persons, Perpetrators/offenders, Institutional violence, Demographics/statistics
Abstract: This report provides an analysis of data obtained from 1,288 referrals to 16 Age Concern New Zealand and Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention services during the period 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2004. The report presents a discussion of the nature, context, prevalence and consequences of elder abuse and neglect. The analysis found that the most frequent type of abuse experienced by older persons was psychological abuse (59%), followed by financial exploitation (42%). The characteristics of abusers were examined, and the study revealed that sons and daughters are the most common perpetrators of elder abuse and neglect, followed closely by husbands, wives or partners. Institutional violence is identified as a significant contributory factor to the abuse experienced by older persons. Due to the dearth of research in the area of elder abuse and neglect, the author urges that further investigation is needed into abuse within residential settings, aspects of financial abuse, and the prevalence and incidence of elder abuse in New Zealand as a whole. Limitations of this study are acknowledged, particularly its lack of representativeness of the wider population.
Aldridge, A. (2000). Difficulty with detecting: Metanarratives and a discourse analysis of general practitioners’ talk about domestic violence. Unpublished master’s thesis, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
See: www.nzfvc.org.nz/12992.pub
Topic Areas: Intimate partner abuse, Women, Victims/survivors, Gender, Health, Prevention/intervention/treatment
Abstract: This thesis discusses the author’s research on general practitioners’ discourses around domestic violence. Feminist theory and discourse analysis are used to examine answers given in a series of interviews, the results of which are the basis for the discussion in the thesis. The discussion lists types of discourses evident in doctors’ talk, including liberal humanist, medical, and confession. The author argues that there are contradictions among these discourses, which are shown through metanarratives, and she highlights that doctors have fears and worries, feelings of inadequacy, and a lack of training in the area. The author maintains that, at times, doctors do not actively pursue domestic violence by asking women directly if they have been subject to domestic violence because they do not want to offend patients; they do not see violence as a medical problem, and they are concerned about not having the legal right to intervene.
Aldridge, A., & Coombes, L. (2005). ‘It’s really quite a delicate issue’: GPs talk about domestic violence. Women’s Studies Journal, 19(2), 56-78.
See: www.nzfvc.org.nz/12329.pub
Topic Areas: Intimate partner abuse, Women, Health, Cultural practice
Abstract: This article presents a discussion of the authors’ research on general practitioners’ (GPs) understanding of domestic violence, and the physical, emotional and social effects on women victims. Ten GPs responded from a total of 90 GPs canvassed in a central North Island province. Semi-structured interviews were employed to gather information, and the narratives of the participating GPs were analysed for common themes. The findings show that, in general, GPs were not certain about how to detect evidence of domestic violence, primarily due to a lack of adequate training in this area. The GPs identified physical signs of abuse as easier to detect than psychological or emotional indicators of abuse. The authors found that GPs did not have sufficient knowledge of social problems that contribute to poor health outcomes. Many of the participants disclosed that they believed that women should take some action towards leaving an abusive relationship, and that they felt frustrated if a patient continued to return to their abusive partner. The authors suggests that training for health professionals involving a psycho-social perspective would be beneficial, as GPs are often the first point of contact for domestic violence victims.
Archer, M. J. (2002). Courts rush in where science fears to tread: Psychological testimony in child sexual abuse cases under s23G(2)(c) of the Evidence Act 1908. Unpublished manuscript, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
See: www.nzfvc.org.nz/12982.pub
Topic Areas: Sexual abuse, Children as victims, Justice, Legislation, Mental health, Cultural practice
Abstract: This paper examines the admissibility of psychological evidence in child sexual abuse cases. The use of this type of evidence is regulated by the law of evidence, which states that psychological evidence is admissible only if the child displays behaviours that are compellingly and unmistakably consistent with sexual abuse. Psychologists and psychiatrists giving expert testimony must have clinical experience with children who have been sexually abused. The author provides an analysis of the Evidence Act (1908), including a list of behaviours classed as consistent with sexual abuse under s23(g) of this piece of legislation. The difficulty in determining the effects of sexual abuse, and what behaviours constitute a ‘consistency’ with sexual abuse is emphasised. The author argues for changes to s23(g) of the Evidence Act, such as increased emphasis on research and scientific evidence as opposed to clinical experience, and a clear definition of ‘consistent with sexual abuse’. The author contends that psychological evidence is admissible if the testimony has scientific reliability.
Atkin, B. (1998, January). The Domestic Violence Act. New Zealand Law Journal, 24-26, 31.
See: www.nzfvc.org.nz/13089.pub
Topic Areas: Intimate partner abuse, Child abuse and neglect, Families, Women, Children, Justice, Protection orders, Legislation
Abstract: This article presents an examination of the use and abuse of the Domestic Violence Act (1995). Definitions of terms under the Domestic Violence Act have been extended from that of the Domestic Protection Act (1982), which the author claims has led to misuse of the Act at the expense of genuine domestic violence victims. Under the Domestic Violence Act, children and other family members can now bring protection orders against each other. The author compares the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Act (1989) with the Domestic Violence Act, and suggests that the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act strives to keep families together whilst the Domestic Violence Act appears to break families apart. Examples of legal cases are provided to illustrate the issues raised by the author.
Attrill, P. M. (1999). More than a death: Dangerous dynamics and their impact on social work practice at the Children, Young Persons and their Families Agency. Unpublished master’s thesis, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
See: www.nzfvc.org.nz/13192.pub
Topic Areas: Child abuse and neglect, Neglect, Child homicide, Families, Children as victims, Care and protection, Legislation, Policy, Social services, Cultural practice, Intersectoral collaboration
Abstract: This research takes a fresh look at five cases known to the Children, Young Persons and their Families Agency where children on the caseloads of social workers died from non-accidental injury. A range of dangerous dynamics are identified and defined. These are then applied to each of the sample cases with a view to determining whether or not they were apparent leading up to and at the time the children died. Conclusions are drawn on the basis of the findings and recommendations are made with respect to future management of cases where dangerous dynamics exist in the relationships social workers have with families with which they are working. The purpose of this research is two-fold. The author’s primary intention is to contribute significantly to the body of knowledge that exists with respect to understanding child deaths and the role social workers have in relation to such tragedies. In addition, it is intended that the findings of this research will contribute to the prevention of future deaths of children on the caseloads of child protection workers.