Evidence to Practice Sessions

This session discussed conduct problems in early and mid-childhood, which can have significant impact for children and their relatives. A relevant factor for the development of conduct problems can be exposure to aggression in the home. Based on the Growing Up in New Zealand Study, the research team investigated the development of conduct problems from age 2 until 8 in the context of intimate partner aggression. The results provide insights for some potential action points for people working with children and their relatives.

Dr Hedwig Eisenbarth did her PhD in Psychology as well as her clinical training in CBT at the University of Würzburg (Germany). She joined Victoria University of Wellington in 2018 where she is now Associate Professor in the School of Psychological Sciences. Her lab investigates how emotional reactions, past emotional experiences and personality traits like psychopathy shape social interactions, using psychophysiological methods and behavioural tasks in order to understand these processes in the antisocial context but also in every-day life.

The first Evidence to Practice Session of 2025 discussed evidence from Australia on screening for domestic family violence (DFV) perpetration among male service users, including opportunities for risk assessment and referral pathways. Following substantial domestic and family violence reforms in Australia, the identification of victim-survivors is increasingly embedded across service system responses. Comparatively, while men using DFV often have contact with many services, their use of DFV is often not identified. Drawing on findings from a mixed-methods study with practitioners across mental health, alcohol and other drug (AOD), corrections and child protection services, this presentation explores barriers to and enablers of screening for DFV perpetration, conducting risk assessments and creating referral pathways for shared risk management.

Professor Silke Meyer is the Leneen Forde Chair in Child & Family Research and a Professor of Social Work at Griffith University.She is a criminologist and social worker by training, bringing practical and theoretical expertise to her research, teaching and writing. Her research centres on different aspects of domestic and family violence, including women and children’s safety and wellbeing, men’s accountability in their role as perpetrators and fathers, experiences specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the role of domestic and family violence-informed practice in child protection, healthcare, policing and court related service delivery. Silke regularly delivers training on domestic and family violence informed practice to police, magistrates, family law and healthcare practitioners.

E2P Presentation | Professor Silke Meyer [PDF, 2 MB]

Kathryn, TP, and Brian talked through key themes from their research with men in Aotearoa New Zealand, including men who currently and formerly used violence. The researchers discussed elements of these men’s mindsets and share what they have learned about the environments and conditions that support or hinder men’s change.

This is part of a body of research which includes the ‘Man Rules of New Zealand’, ‘Understanding the Support Needs of Users of Violence’, an ongoing longitudinal study, and development research for the ‘In Your Hands’ web portal In Your Hands. As a whole, the research the position and the perspectives of men with harmful behaviours, those who are often unwilling, unable, or feeling powerless to change. The research has informed Change is Possible, the latest phase of the Campaign for Action on Family Violence, which seeks to mobilise men around change journeys and create environments that support men’s change. Change Is Possible. 

This discussion was about the recent review of Family Violence Death Review (FVDR) data relating to stalking. The review looked at stalking within the context of the intimate partner violence (IPV) and child abuse and neglect (CAN) homicides reviewed by the Committee between January 2020 and June 2024. The research presented in this session provides compound narratives of stalking, key themes from the evidence, and some reflective questions for people to use in practice settings.

Presentation by Principal Advisor Kiri Matiatos for family violence mortality review at Te Tāhū Hauora, discussion with Dr Nicola Atwool from the Family Violence Subject Matter Expert Group (formerly FVDRC) and Mary Beresford-Jones from Te Puna Aonui Business Unit.

This session discussed policy and practice insights from the recent HRC funded study ‘Atawhai’. This research aimed to make it easier to respond to family violence in primary care settings. Developed by providers, the ‘Atawhai Network’ builds trusted quality relationships between health care and family violence agencies to support safe responses to whānau and families. 

Presentation by Dr Claire Gear, Hazel Hape, Gabrielle Moss from Atawhai, and Adrienne Everest from Te Puna Aonui Business Unit.

This session was with Professor Michael Salter, who is the Director of Childlight University of NSW, the Australasian hub of Childlight. This work is part of the Global Child Safety Institute, which undertakes research for impact on child sexual abuse and exploitation. Professor Salter conducts national and international research on child sexual exploitation, gender-based violence and complex trauma.