Hamilton Police Believe Woman's Stabbing Avoidable

Hamilton Police believe knife wounds suffered by a woman in a domestic violence incident could have been avoided had partygoers cooperated with officers called twice to a Frankton address overnight.

Detective Sergeant Andy Bu Bear of the Hamilton Family Violence Team said officers were originally called to a Primrose St address shortly before 8pm.

"They had been told a man subject to a protection order was at his estranged partner's address where a party was underway.

"When they arrived they found a party was underway in the garage and those attending were intoxicated and uncooperative. A search was carried out but the man in question was not at there."

Mr Bu Bear said a short time later officers were called back to the house and arrived to find a 46-year-old woman had suffered a stab wound to her back following an argument with her 46-year-old ex-partner.

"He was located a short distance down the road and arrested while the woman was taken to Waikato Hospital by ambulance where she underwent surgery overnight.

"Our investigation is underway but somewhat hampered by the fact we weren't able to interview many of the partygoers due to their intoxication levels."

Mr Bu Bear said had those at the party cooperated with Police the man may have been able to be apprehended prior to the woman being stabbed.

"Domestic violence is everybody's problem and everybody's responsibility, about 10 children are killed every year as a result of domestic violence while one woman is killed about every
5-weeks by her partner or ex-partner and we're very lucky that wasn't the case last night.

"Psychological abuse can be as damaging as physical abuse and children who witness such behaviour can suffer psychological harm, if you think someone is suffering such abuse you need to contact Police or other support agencies."

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