Police Family Violence Figures Double Over the Last 10 Years

An increase in domestic violence call-outs and arrests over the past decade shows society is becoming much more open in terms of reporting and exposing the level of such violence, says Police Minister Annette King.

"It's clear we still must do much more, however, to encourage New Zealanders to come forward to expose what has been New Zealand's dark secret," she says.

"When a call-out results in the police being able to prevent a domestic violence incident happening, then that can probably be considered a success story. But when the call-out is to a serious assault or a death, then that is a tragedy that somehow society might have been able to avert."

Ms King today released figures showing the number of recorded family violence occurrences over the past 10 years have increased from 31,654 in 1996 to 63,685 in 2005, with arrests increasing over that period from 9311 to 18,305.

The greater focus by police on violence and abuse – combined with the community no longer tolerating such behaviour - has contributed significantly to the increase in recorded violence statistics.

"The increase might seem dramatic, but sadly I still think we are uncovering only some of the tragedies occurring behind closed doors. Social agencies, the police and churches are doing their bit to encourage reporting of this horrible crime, usually committed against women and children, but what we don't know is happening is probably hurting someone right now. That's a chilling thought."

Ms King says society is increasingly realising that domestic violence cannot be left for police and other agencies to deal with on their own. "Most people are horrified by domestic violence, but that doesn't stop it being a shame upon all of us. Our society has condoned and accepted domestic violence for far too long, and we all have to take what responsibility we can for changing attitudes around."

"Various programmes, some joint initiatives between Police, Ministry of Justice, Child Youth and Family and the community sector, specifically target domestic violence, but such programmes are only a ‘band aid’. Society itself has to change. Domestic violence occurs deep within families, within the sanctity and privacy of homes, and if you know it is happening to someone in your family or who lives near you, please tell someone who can stop it happening"

Ms King says she hopes increases in police numbers and in resources for call centres will encourage people to report domestic violence whenever it happens. "We are now far better placed than we've ever been to do something about it."

NZ Police- Recorded Family Violence Occurrences 1996 to 2005 (calendar years)

              Incidents  Offences  Sum:
1996      14,849       16,805      31,654
1997      15,320       18,068      33,388
1998      17,305       18,715      36,020
1999      19,054       18,675      37,729
2000      20,554       21,205      41,759
2001      21,702       23,761      45,463
2002      23,374       24,212      47,586
2003      24,507       26,006      50,513
2004      26,974       26,164      53,138
2005      33,929       29,756      63,685

NZ Police- Recorded Family Violence Occurrences that Resulted in an Arrest 1996 to 2005 (calendar years) 

              Offences
1996      9,311
1997      9,774
1998      10,109
1999      10,106
2000      11,112
2001      11,654
2002      12,001
2003      14,346
2004      15,328
2005      18,305

Note from NZ Police: These statistics for "Family Violence" represent the number of recorded occurrences which involved some degree of family violence, as determined by the attending officer. The term 'family violence' includes violence which is physical, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse, and includes intimidation or threats of violence. The term 'family' includes such people as parents, children, extended family members and whanau, or any other people involved in relationships. This definition applies irrespective of what type of offence or incident occurred. It is likely that "Family Violence" related offending is significantly under-reported to Police. Also, changes in education and awareness may be impacting on the likelihood that these offences are reported. Therefore, inferences about trends in such offending should not be made from these statistics alone, as they may simply be reflecting changes in inclination to report offences.