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June 19, 2014 at 10:32 AM

The long-awaited Glenn Inquiry report into child abuse and domestic violence was released on Monday. The $2 million inquiry, set up in late 2012 with funding from millionaire Sir Owen Glenn, aimed to address New Zealand's appalling record of child abuse and domestic violence by giving a voice to those most affected.

Read the report here.

There has been a significant amount of media interest in the report and in this respect, it is positive that family violence and child abuse in New Zealand is receiving the attention that it needs to motivate change. In saying that, the contents of the report should come as little surprise to those working in the sector, who will be well aware of both the significant trauma experienced by victims as well as the frustrations of working within a system that is fragmented, and where long term strategies are hampered by short term political and funding cycles.

What is also missing from the report is analysis of the causes of family violence and child abuse. While the stories included in the report are powerful, the real work is still to be seen with regards to concrete solutions to what is an incredibly complex social issue. It is hoped that the follow up report from the Inquiry, due to be released by the end of this year, will offer some insights into practical ways to better support the work that is already happening within communities, NGOs, and within government.

A snapshot of media articles related to the report is included below:

Family Violence a National Emergency

Glenn Report a catalogue of dispair

Editorial: Glenn Report's burden of proof change a step too far

Bid to mend 'broken court system'

Promoting positive parenting crucial for preventing child abuse

Colonisation a factor in abuse report

The first report of the Glenn Inquiry into family violence