Family and domestic violence
Family violence, also known as family harm, occurs when someone uses their words or actions to control or harm someone they’re in a domestic relationship with.
The New Zealand law defines someone you could have a domestic relationship as:
- a partner, spouse or ex-partner
- a family member
- someone you ordinarily share a household with, like a flatmate
Family violence is illegal
It is illegal for anyone to physically, sexually or psychologically abuse another person. Examples of family violence include punching or kicking a family member, damaging property as a way of hurting someone, trying to control someone's life by constantly humiliating them, bullying, sexual mistreatment or controlling someone's money, time, car or contact with friends as a way of having power over them.
If you’re a victim of family harm/family violence, this is not your fault.
Important things to know:
- Family harm/family violence is a crime
- The New Zealand Police take it very seriously
- Help is available to you
Help for family and domestic violence
If you or someone you know are impacted by family violence/family harm, there are things you can do:
- If you are the victim (and not in immediate danger) and would like to make a complaint against the person abusing you, you can call the non-emergency Police number on 105 or visit your local police station(external link that opens in a new tab). A police officer will talk to you about all the options available to you.
- If you do not want to speak to Police directly, contact the organisation Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or use the online form on the Crime Stoppers Website(external link that opens in a new tab). It’s completely anonymous. No one will know it was you who passed on the information.
- If you are not ready to make a complaint, there are people and organisations here to help and support you. Visit the It's Not OK(external link that opens in a new tab) or Women's Refuge(external link that opens in a new tab) websites or call the 0800 Family Violence Information Line (0800 456 450).
- Make sure a family member or close friend knows about the abuse, so you have support and assistance.
What to do if you or anyone else is in immediate danger
Call 111 and ask for Police.
If it is NOT SAFE TO TALK, PUSH 55. Listen to the instructions.
The operator will ask you to respond using buttons on your phone.
If it is safe to talk, let the operator know which language you speak so they can better assist you.
Police in your community – Ethnic Liaison Officers
If you are unsure that if what you are experiencing is family violence, you can contact a NZ Police Ethnic Liaison Officer(external link that opens in a new tab) who can help. These police officers work with other police teams to investigate and prevent crime involving ethnic communities.
The New Zealand government has a website called Are You Ok(external link that opens in a new tab), which provides easy to access and relevant information for people seeking support for family violence in New Zealand.
This information is designed to help you or someone you know, better understand the situation and to get help and support.
Click here(external link that opens in a new tab) to visit a page specifically for ethnic communities. The information is available in 10 different languages.
Further information and support can be found here: