MEDIA RELEASE

10 September 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

9 Times More Likely to Die From Family Violence than War

A recent report release by the Copenhagen Consensus Centre showed that Family violence costs the world economy 9.1 trillion New Zealand dollars and found that people are 9 times more likely to die from interpersonal disputes than on the battlefield.

In New Zealand the economic cost of family violence is astronomical and is estimated at 8 billion dollars per year (MSD, 2013). Economist Suzanne Snively estimated that businesses were losing $368 million a year in productivity from the impacts of family violence in the workplace. According to New Zealand Police, each murder costs 3.9 million, each sexual violation $304,370 and grievous assault costs $30,430.

“Not only can New Zealand not afford family violence morally and socially, the economic impacts are disastrous” says Andy Moscrop-Giblin a Spokesperson for the Canterbury Family Violence Collaboration and New Zealand White Ribbon Ambassador.

“We need to make people in New Zealand feel safe in their homes and not like they are living in a warzone. Our country simply cannot afford to continue to tolerate family violence from a moral or economic stand point.”

The reminders are there for families living with domestic violence in New Zealand every day. We remember Emily Longley and Sophie Elliot as well as the countless and often times faceless others who are assaulted every day.

If you need help about family violence or know somebody who does please contact any of the following agencies in Christchurch.

• Women’s Refuge Crisis line: 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843

• Aviva 0800 28482 669

• Police (03) 363 7400

• Stopping Violence Services 0800478778

• Relationships Aotearoa 0800 735283

• Christchurch Resettlement Services (03) 3350311

• Canterbury Men’s Centre (03) 3659000

Warning signs of an abusive relationship:

• Previous violence

• Recent separation

• Jealous and obsessive behaviour

• Stalking

• Threats to the victim, their friends of family members

• The victim is fearful or withdrawn

• Signs of mistreatment of children

Ends.

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