The hours and days following a family violence event are often a blur of shock and adrenaline. In Aotearoa, the system is designed to provide immediate “buffers” to keep you safe while you decide your next steps.
Here is everything you need to know about the immediate aftermath.
1. The Police Safety Order (The “10-Day Buffer”)
If the Police attended the event, they may have issued a Police Safety Order (PSO).
- How it works: A PSO is issued on the spot by a Police Sergeant. It is not a criminal conviction, but a legal directive.
- The Rules: The abuser (the “bound person”) must leave the house immediately, even if they own it. They cannot contact you, your children, or come near your workplace for up to 10 days.
- Your Action: Keep a copy of the PSO with you. If they breach it (call you, show up, text), call 111 immediately. They can be arrested and brought before a judge.
2. Medical Documentation (The “Silent Evidence”)
Even if you don’t feel “badly” injured, visit a GP or A&E.
- The Record: Tell the doctor what happened. In NZ, medical notes are powerful evidence for future Protection Order applications.
- Internal Injuries: If there was any pressure to your neck (strangulation), tell them. This is a high-risk indicator and requires specific medical checks for internal damage that might not show up for 24–48 hours.
3. Financial Survival (WINZ & Grants)
You do not have to stay with an abuser because you are broke.
- Transition to Safety Grant: Work and Income (WINZ) can provide a one-off grant (usually around $600–$800) to help with immediate costs like moving, food, or changing locks. You don’t always have to be on a benefit to get this.
- Victim Assistance Scheme: Administered by Victim Support, this can help cover costs like repairing broken windows, changing locks, or emergency travel if a crime has been reported.
4. Employment Rights
If you have a job in NZ, you are legally entitled to:
- 10 Days Paid Family Violence Leave: This is separate from your sick or annual leave. You can use it to see lawyers, move house, or simply recover.
- Short-term Flexible Working: You can ask for a temporary change in your hours, workplace location, or duties to stay safe for up to 2 months.
5. The Two Paths: PSO vs. Protection Order
| Police Safety Order (PSO) | Protection Order |
| Duration: 1–10 days. | Duration: Usually permanent. |
| Issued by: The Police on the spot. | Issued by: The Family Court. |
| Agreement: You don’t need to agree to it. | Agreement: You (the applicant) must apply for it. |
| Breach: Police take them into custody. | Breach: Criminal offense (up to 3 years jail). |
6. Reaching Out to Advocates
You don’t have to navigate the days after an event alone. An advocate from Women’s Refuge or Shine can:
- Go to WINZ or Police meetings with you as a support person.
- Help you fill out the 20+ page application for a Protection Order.
- Help you find a Legal Aid lawyer so you don’t have to pay for legal help.
Privacy Note: If you are staying at a friend’s house or a refuge, ensure your phone’s “Location Services” are turned OFF for all apps, especially social media and shared family maps.
Staying Safe and Sane 