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Homicide and Violence

About 

Violence includes family, domestic, sexual, and physical violence, as well as psychological or emotional abuse. As many incidences of violence often go unreported, it is difficult to measure the true extent of the problem. Importantly, violence can be prevented if communities work together to raise awareness, challenge social conditions creating environments that enable family violence (e.g gender inequity, rigid gender roles, racism, marginalisation), address complex drivers of family violence (e.g. inequality, alcohol, and drug, isolation) and hold abusers responsible for their actions. 
 

Image by Melanie Wasser
Image by Florian Olivo

In Australia, homicide and violence contributed to 223 deaths of women aged 15 and over in 2015, making up 1.5% of the burden of disease and injury. 

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People living in remote or very remote areas of Australia are 24 times more likely to be hospitalised for domestic violence than people living in major cities. In 2016-17, almost 6300 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were hospitalised for assault injuries.  

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In Australia, the Commonwealth Government Is responsible for national programs to reduce family violence. The National Plan to reduce violence against women and their children was endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in 2009. The National Plan is to be implemented over a series of 3 – year action plans over 12 years between 2009-2021.

In Aotearoa New Zealand in 2016 there were 6,377 recorded male assaults female victimisations. Nearly half of all homicides and reported violent crimes are family violence-related. It is estimated that one in four females and one in eight males experience sexual violence or abuse in their lifetimes, many before the age of 16.

Image by Nick Fewings

Need Support? 


Australia: 

If you are in immediate danger, call 000

1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) 

Individuals can also access local support services and search the internet using Daisy, a free app developed by 1800RESPECT that protects user privacy.


Aotearoa New Zealand: 

You can ring the police, even if you can’t talk.

You can ring 111 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger. If you can’t talk, push 55 to signal that you want the police.

If you would like to contact the police about a person abusing you but not urgently you can call 105 or visit your local police station. An officer will talk to you about all the options available to you. 

Read our latest position papers for homicide and violence:

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