Women and Justice: Keywords

Domestic Case Law

Coates v. Bowden High Court of New Zealand (2007)


Domestic and intimate partner violence

Appellant F, the mother of three children, who was residing in New Zealand, sought a decision from a higher court concerning a previous custody decision that granted N, the father residing in Australia, custody rights. F contended that N had been physically abusive in the past toward the children, and that they were at risk of physical and psychological harm if in his custody. The High Court concluded that the children should be in New Zealand residing with their mother.