A lack of financial independence, and dealing with the impact of economic harm, are cited as key reasons people stay in violent relationships or are unable to overcome the enduring effects of abuse and establish a life free from family violence. 

Family violence is pervasive and deeply damaging to whānau and communities across Aotearoa. It is one of our greatest shames accounting for more than 40% of a frontline police officer’s time and affecting one in two New Zealand women over the course of their lifetime. 

With statistics like these, it is not possible for one part of our community to effect change by itself – it requires a societal shift driven by collaboration across businesses, government, social services and others. Tackling economic harm is a critical component of this shift, and there are steps we can take towards this in our roles as employers, policymakers and providers of goods and services for New Zealanders.

This snapshot includes the type of work and progress being made, and the role organisations and individuals can play in eliminating family violence in Aotearoa New Zealand.