New Zealand

Information for People from New Zealand

Family violence is a serious problem in New Zealand, hurting people and communities across the country. A shocking one in three women in New Zealand will experience abuse sometime in their lives, and Māori women are even more likely to be affected. This violence causes lasting emotional and mental harm, and children who see or experience it often suffer greatly and may continue the cycle of violence. Women, children, and LGBTQ+ people are especially vulnerable. It's crucial to tackle family violence to keep everyone in New Zealand safe and well.

Contributing Factors

There are many reasons why family violence is such a big problem in New Zealand:

  1. Money troubles: Poverty and unemployment create stress in families, and this can make violence more likely. When families struggle financially, violence often increases.

  2. Drug and alcohol abuse: Misusing alcohol and drugs makes it harder for people to think clearly and can make them more aggressive, which can lead to violence at home.

  3. History and culture: Past injustices, like colonization and discrimination, have created unfair situations for many, especially Māori. These experiences have damaged traditional family structures and support, contributing to higher rates of violence.

  4. Trauma passed down: Children who see or experience violence are more likely to repeat those behaviours when they grow up, continuing the cycle of abuse.

  5. Unequal treatment of men and women: When society believes men are superior and it's okay to control women, this can create an environment where violence against women is more likely to happen.

  6. Mental health problems: Untreated mental health issues can make it hard for people to manage their feelings and actions, and this can sometimes lead to violence.

  7. Lack of support: Sometimes, people who are experiencing violence can't get the help they need. This could be because there aren't enough services, they live far away from help, or they feel ashamed to ask for it. This means the violence often continues.

The Scope of the Problem

Family violence is a widespread and serious problem in New Zealand, impacting people from all walks of life. About one in three women in New Zealand will experience physical or sexual violence from a partner at some point in their lives. In the year leading up to June 2023, police investigated over 177,000 cases of family harm, a significant 49% jump since 2017. This increase likely reflects both more people reporting violence and possibly a rise in the number of incidents. Family violence causes severe and lasting harm to victims, including physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. It also contributes to other societal problems, like abuse being passed down through generations, higher healthcare costs, and a decline in community well-being. Māori women are particularly affected, with studies showing that nearly 65% have experienced violence from a partner. This highlights the need for solutions that are tailored to different cultures and communities.

Support and Report is crafted with a deep understanding of the unique needs for Aboriginal communities, bringing you support and protection that respects and honours the Aboriginal culture.


Here’s how it stands by your community:

  • Find the help you need with our dedicated directory for Aboriginal communities. Whether it’s health services, legal aid, or support against domestic violence, our app connects you with the right resources, leaving out what’s not relevant to you

  • Keep your family close and protected. Support and Report helps you maintain family routines and strengthen bonds. Easily document important events and manage family schedules, ensuring everyone stays together and secure. The strong sense of family and community within Aboriginal cultures is fundamental, and our app respects and supports these values by offering tools that enhance family cohesion and safety.

  • Feel safe and in control with our app’s built-in safety features. Customisable emergency contacts and discreet notifications ensure you have the protection you need. We provide tools to create safety plans without putting you at risk. You choose who sees your information and when, keeping your privacy and safety top of mind.

  • Our secure logging tools make it simple to record and report instances of discrimination, bullying, or injustice. This supports your advocacy and keeps a record of your experiences, helping us all stand up for what’s right.

  • Track your emotional well-being with our easy-to-use tools. Understand how daily events affect your mental health and take proactive steps to improve your overall well-being. Our app supports you in managing your mental health in a way that respects and integrates your cultural values.

  • The Support and Report app includes comprehensive emotional tracking tools to help you monitor your feelings and identify patterns in your environment that may impact your mental health. With self-assessment features, you can better understand your emotional state and seek help when needed. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, suicide rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are tragically higher compared to the non-Indigenous population. Support and Report aims to reduce this risk by providing immediate access to support resources and emergency contacts directly from your phone.

  • Support and Report acknowledges and respects the cultural differences within our Aboriginal communities. The app can be tailored to fit your cultural needs and practices, ensuring that it supports your unique way of life while providing essential tools and resources. Our deep respect for Aboriginal cultures guides the design of our features, ensuring they are culturally appropriate and beneficial.

Support and Report is your comprehensive App, tailored for Aboriginal communities, offering a unique blend of protection, organisation, and empowerment to help you navigate life's challenges with confidence.

Our commitment to supporting our people is unwavering, and we strive to provide tools and resources that honour your culture and enhance your quality of life.

Trust Support and Report to stand with you, providing the support you need with respect and cultural sensitivity.

To tackle family violence in New Zealand, we need to address all the underlying causes.

This means we need to:

  • Help families financially: Providing economic support can reduce stress and the likelihood of violence.

  • Treat drug and alcohol problems: Offering effective treatment for substance abuse is crucial.

  • Provide culturally appropriate help: Solutions must consider the specific needs of different communities, especially Māori.

  • Improve mental health services: Making mental health support more accessible can help individuals manage their emotions and behaviors.

  • Promote equality between men and women: Challenging harmful attitudes about gender and promoting respect is essential.

  • Make it easier to get help: We need to remove barriers that prevent victims from accessing support services.