The Government has announced a new multi-agency approach to responding to family violence, which will be piloted in Christchurch from 1 July 2016.

The Integrated Safety Response pilot will test an early multi-agency triage approach to collaboratively assess and support families experiencing family violence.

This will bring together a team of Police, CYF, Corrections, Health, specialist family violence NGOs and Māori service providers to support victims and their families as a whole.

The initial focus will be on getting the pilot up and running in Christchurch. No final decision has been made regarding the location or timeframe of other pilot sites.

The one-year pilot is expected to cost under $1 million, including set up and evaluation.

The model to be used is based on international best practice and is being tailored to New Zealand's unique circumstances.

During the Christchurch pilot, each report of family violence reported to New Zealand Police and high risk prison releases in Christchurch will be triaged daily and a Family Safety Plan developed that will address the risks and needs of the family.

"This pilot has the potential to transform the way we respond as a system, manage perpetrators and keep victims safe," Justice Minister Amy Adams says.

"It incorporates the Intensive Case Management system that provides an independent victim specialist to work closely with high risk victims to keep them safe."