Introduction to Domestic Violence

Did you know?…

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POLICE CALLOUTS

NZ Police attend an average of one callout every 3.5 minutes. (NZ Police)

partner violence

1 in 3 women experience physical and/or sexual abuse from a male (ex)partner in their lifetime. Most of these women who experienced intimate partner violence also had dependent children. (Fanslow et al, 2019)

NZ GAY LESBIAN BISEXUAL ADULTS

Gay, lesbian or bisexual adults are more than twice as likely than the NZ average to experience intimate partner violence and sexual violence. (NZ Crime and Victims Survey, Oct 2018-Sept 2019)

MOST IS UNREPORTED

76% of family violence incidents are NOT reported to Police (NZ Crime and Safety Survey 2014).

IMPACT ON CHILDREN

Children exposed to domestic violence have similar or worse longterm health impacts than children who are physically abused. (Edleson, 1999)

For more research and information on domestic violence go to:

NZ Family Violence Clearinghouse

Within a relationship, it is normal to disagree and argue. You should be able to disagree without fear for your safety. It is not OK to feel threatened, too frightened, or unsafe to disagree or express your opinion or make decisions about your own life.

People who are abused by someone close to them often feel as though they are doing something to deserve it. Nobody deserves to be humiliated, isolated, controlled, hurt or frightened.

We all have the right to live with dignity, free from violence, fear and someone else controlling our life.

For a deeper understanding of domestic or family violence:

Read about getting help, and how to help:

Learn more about domestic violence and relevant laws and services

Here are some ideas: