The National Party says if elected, it would increase the penalty for breaches of protection orders so that victims of family violence are made safer.
The announcement was made in Gisborne on Friday afternoon ahead of the party's full law and order policy release next week.
[image:3611:full]National says it would double the penalty for a single breach of a protection order and the maximum penalty would be two years in prison, or a fine of $10,000.
Law and order spokesperson Judith Collins says last year, 976 people were convicted for breaching protection orders and 185 received a prison sentence.
"National will double the maximum penalty for a single breach of a protection order to two years in prison or a fine of $10,000.
"Any further breaches will be punishable by up to three years' imprisonment, regardless of the period in which they occur, rather than the current maximum of two years' in prison for two breaches in the space of three years."
National would also fund a programme which increases the security of the homes of family violence victims through a victim compensation levy.
Ms Collins says the party would also speed up the court system to reduce delays for victims and witnesses, and wants to change the procedures for children giving evidence in court so that they are not re-victimised.
Enforcement key, says Women's Refuge
Women's Refuge says any law change that provides for better protection of at-risk women is welcome, but believes a greater understanding of why they stay in violent relationships is needed.
Chief executive Heather Henare says National's policy to increase the maximum penalty for offenders who breach protection orders will only be effective if the orders are enforced.
Ms Henare says while police are focusing more attention on protection orders, they have limited training in dealing with domestic violence.
"We need to grow the analysis around domestic violence to ensure that people have a better understanding of why victims remain in violent relationships and why they don't seek the help that they need in order to get out of them."
Ms Henare says 80% of domestic violence is still not reported to police.
