One of the most common forms of violence experienced by women globally is intimate partner violence (IPV).
Intimate partner violence, also called domestic abuse or domestic violence, is when power and control is used over an intimate partner. Offences of IPV and sexual violence are mostly perpetrated by men against women.
The New Zealand Crime and Victims survey, an annual collection of information on New Zealanders’ experience of crime, found in their most recent report (November 2021 – November 2022) that 24% of New Zealand women have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) offences during their lifetimes.
Globally, it is estimated that between 38 and 40% of all murders of women are committed by intimate partners.
The number of people experiencing IPV in their lifetime seems to be increasing, as 2021 University of Auckland research highlighted that controlling behaviour increased between 2003 and 2019 (from 8.2% to 13.4%), and economic abuse doubled in the same time period (from 4.5% to 8.9%).
Humanitarian emergencies and movement (or the lack of it) can exacerbate existing violence by intimate partners or others, and may contribute to new forms of violence against women.
IPV and any other form of family violence is not acceptable, and help is available:
- Call New Zealand Police on 111 if you, or someone you know, is in danger.
- Visit the Are You OK? website to find available support services.
- Call the Family violence helpline on 0800 456 450.
- Contact a refuge service, such as Women’s Refuge on 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE), Shine domestic abuse services on 0504 744 633.