Media release
Thursday 1 October 2010

Rising numbers mean more work

The rise in family violence offences recorded by the New Zealand Police for the last year is a reminder that there is a great deal of work to be done says the Families Commission.

Reported family violence rose by more than 28 percent in 2008, 13.5 percent in 2009 and now a further 18.6 percent in 2010. But Chief Commissioner Dr Jan Pryor says the latest rise was expected, because more people are reporting incidents and society as a whole is becoming less tolerant of violence.

“The high profile White Ribbon Day and “It’s Not OK” campaigns, which are supported and partially funded by Families Commission, along with the efforts of community organisations which have taken up the anti-violence cause, have ensured that the real levels of violence are being brought into the open. The response from communities is that these campaigns must continue. However as a society, we must move from awareness of family violence to actions that help to prevent it.

“This year the White Ribbon campaign is asking men to lead the change by taking positive action to end family violence. Whether in the workplace, the sports club, the family home or while socialising, men can influence the attitudes and behaviours of other men.

“Just as the high levels of family violence did not occur overnight but have built up over time, it is unrealistic to expect the solutions to have had a major impact on reducing violence in the relatively short time they have been running. However, the increased reporting is a testament to the lower acceptance of violence in our society and that should, in the longer term, bring about a real reduction in violence levels. It is important to take medium and long term approaches, as well as acting in the short term. As a nation we must continue to challenge attitudes toward violence and offer assistance and solutions to those who wish to change,” says Dr Pryor.

ENDS

© Scoop Media