New Ministerial Advisory Group Formed to Strengthen Fight Against Family and Sexual Violence

Minister Chhour said addressing these complex issues requires coordinated action between government agencies, frontline services, and communities across New Zealand.

The New Zealand Government has announced the creation of a new Ministerial Advisory Group aimed at strengthening national efforts to prevent family violence and sexual violence through expert guidance, lived experience, and frontline leadership.

Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Karen Chhour confirmed the establishment of the Family Violence and Sexual Violence Ministerial Advisory Group, describing it as a significant step toward improving how government responds to some of the country's most serious and deeply rooted social issues.

The newly formed group will provide independent advice to the Government on legislation, policy development, and long-term strategic direction related to family violence and sexual violence prevention.

Minister Chhour said addressing these complex issues requires coordinated action between government agencies, frontline services, and communities across New Zealand.

According to the Minister, the advisory group has been deliberately formed to include respected leaders with extensive experience in prevention, behaviour change, survivor advocacy, trauma-informed care, and community engagement.

She said the members' practical knowledge and lived experience will help identify gaps within existing systems, emerging risks, and opportunities to improve support services and prevention strategies.

"Family violence and sexual violence are complex and ingrained issues that require collaboration and long-term planning to address," Minister Chhour stated.

The Minister also emphasised that the group has been encouraged to provide honest and direct advice, even when the discussions may be challenging.

She said meaningful progress can only happen when difficult truths are acknowledged and addressed openly.

The advisory group brings together experts from a wide range of backgrounds, including violence prevention, Māori-led support services, rural advocacy, prison rehabilitation programmes, and survivor-centred community work.

Experienced Leaders Appointed to Advisory Group

Leading the new advisory body as Chair is Debra "Debbs" Murray, founder and director of ECLIPSE Family Violence Services.

Murray has spent years contributing to workforce development, service design, and policy analysis across both government and community sectors. Her experience in frontline family violence support and system reform is expected to play a key role in guiding the group's work.

Another notable appointment is Matthew "Matt" Brown, co-founder and creative director of the anti-violence movement "She Is Not Your Rehab."

Brown has gained international recognition for his work engaging men in conversations around trauma, healing, and breaking cycles of violence. His programmes, including barbering initiatives in prisons, focus heavily on supporting Māori, Pasifika, and marginalised men through trauma-informed approaches.

Tony Chamberlain, Executive Trustee and Pou Whakahaere at Tautoko Tāne Aotearoa, also joins the advisory group.

Chamberlain has more than a decade of experience working in sexual violence policy, advocacy, and support services, with a particular emphasis on male survivors of sexual violence — an area often overlooked in public discussions and support systems.

Caroline Herewini, Chief Executive of Te Whare Tiaki Wāhine Refuge, brings extensive expertise in kaupapa Māori services and crisis support for wāhine Māori and their whānau.

Her work has focused on developing culturally grounded, trauma-informed support systems, emergency housing services, and long-term recovery programmes for families affected by violence.

The group also includes Patricia "Trish" McMurtrie, manager of the West Coast Women's Refuge.

McMurtrie brings both professional expertise and lived experience of family violence, with years of work in frontline advocacy, rural support services, and community programme development.

Chrystal Walker, Family Violence and Sexual Violence Community Practice Leader at Family Focus, rounds out the advisory team.

Walker is recognised for her work in multi-agency collaboration, workforce education, and survivor-centred practice aimed at improving outcomes for victims and communities.

Strengthening National Prevention Efforts

The formation of the advisory group comes as New Zealand continues to confront high rates of family violence and sexual violence.

Government statistics and advocacy organisations have repeatedly highlighted the significant social, emotional, and economic impact these forms of violence have on individuals, families, and communities.

Experts have long argued that prevention requires more than crisis intervention alone. Long-term solutions must also address trauma, social inequality, mental health, education, housing instability, addiction, and intergenerational harm.

The Government says the advisory group will help ensure future policy decisions are informed by those with direct experience working in prevention and recovery.

Minister Chhour said the knowledge and leadership within the group will play a critical role in shaping a more effective and compassionate national response.

The advisory body is expected to begin advising ministers and government agencies immediately as part of wider efforts to improve coordination, strengthen prevention initiatives, and support safer communities across New Zealand.