‘moral’ Remarks Attacked (Press, 30 June 1982)

On 30 June 1982, Miss Patricia Bartlett faced significant criticism from the Women’s Action Group regarding her remarks on the Domestic Protection Bill currently under consideration by a Parliamentary Select Committee. The group accused Bartlett of prioritising her own stringent Victorian moral standards over the welfare of individuals affected by domestic violence. They argued that her stance undermined the bill’s primary aim, which is to safeguard women and children who are victims of domestic abuse. Bartlett’s position appeared to suggest that protections under the bill should be limited to those in legal marriages, thereby excluding women in de facto relationships from receiving necessary support. The Women’s Action Group vehemently opposed this viewpoint, stating that it was incompatible with the principles of Christian ethics. They stressed the urgent need for parliamentary action to address the concerning levels of domestic violence prevalent in New Zealand. The group argued that denying protection to individuals in de facto arrangements would fail to acknowledge the social realities faced by many victims, and they fully supported the proposed legislative changes designed to provide necessary protections. The ongoing debate underscored the complexities in addressing domestic violence issues, particularly in terms of legal definitions of relationships and the protections afforded to those involved.

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