How to reduce fear of authorities

CALD Family Violence Resource

eCALD Supplementary Resources

(Adapted from Weber and Levine, 2003)

Fear of the Police		Fear of Immigration Authorities
Factors to consider		Factors to consider
The victim may believe that her immigration status prevents her from seeking police protection and assistance.		If a woman is not a New Zealand resident, her abusive partner may threaten to contact immigration officials to have her deported. Women should be informed that as a victim of partner abuse, they can seek protection from such deportation (Immigration New Zealand, 2009).
A refugee or migrant woman’s negative experience with police in her country of origin or asylum may affect her expectations of police in New Zealand.		Women need to be reassured that it is safe to report family violence to police in New Zealand. Further, as above women need to be informed that they can seek protection from deportation, as a victim of family violence.
Critical information for the patient		Critical information for the patient
Disclosing abuse to a health professional does not imply that the police will be contacted (refer to DHB Partner Abuse Intervention policy on disclosure).		The victim does not jeopardise her immigration status by seeking medical treatment for her injuries.
Protection orders are available.		Family violence victims who rely on their abusers for immigration status should consult with lawyers who have expertise in family violence and immigration matters.
Health professionals can help establish a plan of safety for the victim and her children, as well as provide referrals for them (refer to DHB Partner Abuse Intervention policy).		The abuser does not have the power to have immigration officials deport the victim. Inform the victim of the Residence Policy for Victims of Family violence (Immigration New Zealand, 2015). Refer to S4.5 Residence Category for victims of domestic violence on the Immigration NZ website.
If necessary allow the patient to call the family violence hotline or the police from a safe and private place.		Counselling and other social services may be available in the victim’s language and may be offered by health professionals/services who understand her culture/religious background.
Means of support		The victim may be eligible for welfare assistance.

What you can do

Emphasise that the health professional and the interpreter are bound by patient confidentiality-unless there is threat of serious harm to the patient, children or others.
Confidentiality of disclosures – advise and reassure the patient/client that any details will be kept secure and not given out without authority – unless people are in danger. In the case of serious harm to the patient or others the Police and/or Child, Youth and Family will be informed. Consult with experienced staff first if possible.
Where relevant inform the victim of the Residence Policy for Victims of Family violence in New Zealand.
Inform the patient that there is expert legal assistance available to her.
Refer the victim to trustworthy and confidential cultural support (if available).
If there are any concerns for the safety of patients, contact hospital security and/or the Police as per DHB policy. NB If the healthcare provider believes a patient/client’s life is in danger, or has good reason to believe that the patient/client is unable to extricate themselves from a high level of ongoing, life-threatening danger; the, Police or Child Youth and Family Service may be notified without patient/client permission.