Alcohol role ‘ignored’ in law changes

A University of Otago public health advocate has accused the Government of ignoring the need for alcohol reform in its shake-up of family violence law.

This week the Government announced reforms including creating new offences and making the safety of victims paramount in bail decisions.

National Addiction Centre director Prof Doug Sellman, of Christchurch, said the Government was "once again" ignoring the role played by alcohol.

"The Prime Minister has just announced he is prepared to spend $130million on trying to reduce family violence, but says nothing and proposes nothing about alcohol as a major contributory factor to the problem.

"John Key is choosing to ignore the scientific evidence, which he is well aware of, for how alcohol reform could contribute to reducing family violence.

"He uses political ideology and smooth talking to make it appear like the Government is doing something about the problem, which essentially amounts to appearing tough by issuing harsher penalties on the most extreme perpetrators," Prof Sellman said.

Prof Sellman said Justice Minister Amy Adams was also "completely silent" on the need for alcohol reform.

Mr Key’s spokeswoman referred the Otago Daily Times to Mrs Adams for a response to Prof Sellman’s comments.

Mrs Adams issued a statement acknowledging that alcohol and other drugs played a significant role in family violence and sexual violence.

"A full reading of the proposed family violence law reforms shows we are taking action on addressing the links between family violence and alcohol and drug abuse by ensuring the services provided are much better targeted to the need in each case.

"The changes to family violence laws aim to change perpetrator’s behaviour and stop future violence.

"This includes intervening earlier, to link perpetrators to a wider range of services designed to address violence, including alcohol abuse," Mrs Adams’ statement said.

eileen.goodwin@odt.co.nz