The Family Violence Act 2018 states that children under 16 years of age cannot make the application for any kind of legal protection orders without a representitive. 

We aim to change this policy and lower the age restriction down to 15 years old.

We, as a group, have gathered large amounts of data to show that domestic violence, especially for teens aged 15-19, is a real problem in Aotearoa. (Check https://www.childmatters.org.nz/insights/nz-statistics/ for more information including data specifically for children in New Zealand). 

Due to the lack of access to safe adults in which the children could trust as a representitive, lowering the age by 1 year allows for a massive percentage of abused minors to have their voices heard and be legally protected from their abusers. We strongly believe 15 year olds have the maturity and understanding of their circumstances to be able to file submissions for protection orders by themselves and claim back their rights. 

By signing this petition you are in support of this decision and to value children's safety and health, trusting that 15 year olds are viable to make their own decisions and stand up for their own protection.