Dr. Ang Jury Retires After 30 Years Leading Women’s Refuge

Dr. Ang Jury has stepped down after three decades of dedicated service in the field of family violence, culminating in her role as the chief executive of Women’s Refuge. Her tenure at the national collective of women’s refuges began in 2015, following nearly 20 years at the Palmerston North women’s refuge, where she initially volunteered.

Jury’s commitment to supporting women and combating domestic violence earned her recognition in the 2022 New Year’s Honours list, where she was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her significant contributions to the sector. Her decision to retire was deeply personal; she cited declining energy levels and a desire to avoid the fate of her father, who passed away at age 58 without the chance to enjoy retirement.

Transformative Changes in the Sector

Reflecting on her time with Women’s Refuge, Jury expressed optimism about the future of the organization under the leadership of Naomi Ogg. She stated, “I feel really optimistic about where refuge will go next,” highlighting the substantial progress made in the movement over the past decade.

When Jury began her career in the mid-1990s, refuges received no government funding and primarily relied on volunteers and grants. Today, she noted that the organization has achieved “reasonable funding” to carry out its mission. Significant legislative changes and shifts in public attitudes have also transformed the landscape of domestic violence support.

Jury recalled a time when some police officers viewed domestic incidents as “just a domestic” and failed to take them seriously. Now, there is a greater societal awareness of the signs and impacts of domestic violence. “It’s not as hidden anymore,” she remarked, although the reporting of incidents remains low. She estimated that only 25% to 30% of domestic violence cases are reported, largely due to fears surrounding the consequences of speaking out.

Addressing Funding Gaps and Prevention Efforts

Despite improvements, Jury identified a critical gap in funding for prevention initiatives. She described family violence as one of the most “destructive social issues in New Zealand,” comparable to drink driving and smoking, both of which have seen focused campaigns and sustained funding.

“We haven’t seen that with family violence, and we need to,” she insisted, emphasizing the urgency for more resources directed towards prevention efforts.

As she transitions into retirement from full-time work, Jury will continue her commitment to public service as the newly appointed chair of the board for the Independent Children’s Monitor. This position, which she will hold for a five-year term, is one of three statutory bodies overseeing Oranga Tamariki, New Zealand’s Ministry for Children.

Jury’s legacy at Women’s Refuge will likely influence the organization for years to come, as she leaves behind a stronger foundation for future leaders to build upon.