“Measuring violence within the home is an important step in quantifying domestic and family violence in this country,” says Women’s Refuge Chief Executive Dr Ang Jury.
Dr Jury is commenting on a recent announcement by Justice Minister Amy Adams about the Justice Sector Better Public Service measurement of crime.
“What is important to note, however, is that these measures include only reported crime of domestic and family violence, crime that comes to the attention of the Police; not all incidents reach Police, let alone the court system,” says Dr Jury.
“NZ Police routinely estimate that less than 20% of family violence is reported. With this in mind, are the Justice BPS measures a true record of family violence?” she says.
“NGO’s like Women’s Refuge routinely work with victims of unreported crime as well as those who do report. I value discussions and research that thoroughly investigates the cost and incidence of domestic and family violence in this country, but believe this needs to consider both reported and unreported cases. Accurate measures are vital as this information impacts not only Police and the justice sector but also many NGOs such as Women’s Refuge,” she says.
