Programme responds to domestic violence in Pacific

Inspector Steve Darroch has been appointed Programme Manager of the newly-established Pacific Prevention of Domestic Violence Programme (PPDVP).

PPDVP is a partnership between NZ Police, Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP) and NZ Aid.  Its purpose is to reduce domestic violence in the Pacific. 

“New Zealand Police was invited to host the region-wide programme because of our expertise in the domestic violence area,” says Assistant Commissioner Jon White, International Services Group (ISG), OoC. “It builds on the work of Inspector Rob Veale who has championed the cause of domestic violence reduction in New Zealand and the Pacific.

“Initially the programme will run for five years, but it is expected to be extended beyond that period. This programme will have real benefits both in the Pacific Islands and within their expatriate communities in New Zealand,” says Jon.

Steve says the programme will focus primarily on building the capacity of Pacific police services to prevent/respond effectively to domestic violence. “Based on research reports and scoping visits by International Services Group staff, the focus will be on violence against women by their spouses or partners.”