The latest Police Murder Statistics show that work must continue with men who are violent, according to Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga - the National Network of Stopping Violence Services (TKWMP – NNSVS).

Spokesperson Brian Gardner says the statistics show that almost all murders were committed by men and, more disturbingly, that half of all murders was committed by family members. 

“Domestic violence and murder is not a case of stranger danger.  It is committed by those who the victim should have felt most safe with”, says Mr Gardner.

The Police Statistics released today (April 1 2010) show that nearly three quarters of female murder victims were killed by offenders identifies as family members or partners.  

The report also showed an increase in violent offending, driven largely by a rise in the number of reported incidents of family violence.

“It’s really pleasing that reporting of domestic violence has gone up by nearly 20%.  People are accepting that abuse is not okay and they are doing something about it.  We encourage friends and family to intervene early and to find support before it’s too late,” says Brian Gardner.

The TKWMP – NNSVS spokesman says the Government must increase support to community programmes that help men address their attitudes and values that result in violence on their families, if we hope to turn around the statistics.  

For further comment, contact Brian Gardner 027 452 9556

This table is on page 11 of the Police Statistics on Culpable Deaths in NZ report