3. Why is Family Violence a Health Issue?
Abused women are five times more likely to need mental
health services and three times more likely to need other
health services. (1)
Violence against women often begins or escalates with
pregnancy (2)
In 2005, 29 murders in NZ were family/whanau violence
related (3)
In 2005 62,000 young people and children were present
or involved at family violence offences attended by the
New Zealand Police (4)
4. Family Violence Defined
The New Zealand Domestic Violence Act 1995 defines Domestic Violence
as violence against a person by any other person with whom that person
is, or has been, in a domestic relationship with.
The New Zealand Domestic Violence Act 1995 defines Violence as:
(a) Physical abuse:
(b) Sexual abuse:
(c) Psychological abuse, including, but not limited to,---
(i) Intimidation:
(ii) Harassment:
(iii) Damage to property:
(iv) Threats of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or
psychological abuse
9. Family Violence Power and
Control Wheel
• Coercion by way of self-
harm of perpetrator and • Ability of victim
the physical health to provide accurate
information to
concerns that then arise for
this person medical
professional.
• Inability to • Mental Health
financially follow concerns arising
up with from being subjected
prescriptions or to family violence
further visits
• Perpetrator
making the rules - • Practical effect
Not allowing victim of being
to access medical demographically
treatment – or physically
forbidding it – this isolated i.e.
view supported inability to access
• Emotional disturbances health care.
• Teenagers - behavioural • Not seeking medical
difficulties i.e. absconding, self attention
harming
10. What are we seeing?
Intimate Partner Violence both male and female
victims and perpetrators
Male victims often injured secondary to domestic
disputes
Financial and caregiver abuse of Older People
Concerns emerging with onset or progression of
pregnancy
Teenage victims
Family trends
Repeat visits
11. What can we do?
Increase awareness – ours and others
Increase understanding - of the dynamics
of Family Violence
Increase knowledge - of local resources
and supports available
Increase ability – to competently become
involved
Follow Policies
12. By asking, acknowledging and
intervening, healthcare workers are
making a stand that it is a human right
not to be abused.
13. If this presentation has raised any issues for you please
contact in confidence:
• Your tutor for this programme
• Student Support Services
• Family Violence Co-ordinator
