A portrait of deaths related to family violence in New Zealand
Based on the Family Violence Death Review Committee (FVDRC) First Annual Report for 2008 – 2009, almost half of all murders every year, on average, are related to family violence. More women and children die from family related violence than men. On average, each year, 14 women, 6 men and 14 children die from family related violence. Between 2006 and 2008, on average, almost a third of all people were killed by a member of their own family. Data compiled by the New Zealand Police in 2009 reported 88 blameable or culpable deaths. Almost three quarters (65) were victims of murder compared with a quarter who were victims of manslaughter. Over two thirds were male (59) victims compared with 29 female. Astonishingly, two thirds of all deaths were over represented by male victims aged between 15 and 49. Also, 12 of 14 victims under 15 years of age were less than 5 years of age. Eighteen victims were under 17. Of 70 victims, 41 were killed by a family member. Almost three quarters of female victims and almost a third of males were killed by a family member or partner. By ethnicity, Maori accounted for 44% of all deaths followed by European (30%) Asian (7%) and Pacific (6%) and other ethnic (13%) groups.
What is family violence death?
Family violence death is when a person dies unnaturally at the hands of a family member or member of the extended family, care giver, intimate partner, previous partner of the victim or previous partner of the victim’s current partner (2009, FVDRC).
Who is FDRC?
The FDRC was established by the Minister of Health and they report to the Minister. The panel’s role is to review systems, policy and services to prevent the rate of family violence deaths.
What should I do to report family violence?
- If you are victim, call your local police station to make a complaint and they will explain all the options to you
- If you are not ready to make a complaint, call the Family Violence Information Line or It’s NOT ok or Women’s Refuge for help
- tell another member of your family or a close friend about the abuse.
Talofa [Hello] I am an independent researcher and I manage a small business enterprise called Pasifika Research Ltd. Our vision is to improve education, health and social wellbeing of all Pacific peoples in New Zealand.
