This brief paper discusses research on the introduction of the Domestic Violence Act 1995 in NZ. Two sets of interviews were done: 1. 36 non-Pacific Islanders working for the police, courts, social service etc. 2. 30 Pacific Islanders living in Christchurch, Auckland and Apia (Samoa). The paper covers identity and church; shame and respect; language barriers; definitions of violence and relationships; protection orders; and power relations. The paper gives some findings, including that better understanding of Pacific worldviews is need among the legal profession and service agencies.