Study Reveals High Lifetime Prevalence Of Intimate Partner Violence Across Ethnic Groups In New Zealand

Wellington

A study conducted by the University of Auckland has unveiled that a high lifetime prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent across all ethnic groups in New Zealand. Published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, the study reported that over half of the surveyed women disclosed experiencing IPV. The study highlighted substantial ethnic disparities in IPV rates, with almost two-thirds of Maori women and over 60% of NZ European women having encountered some form of IPV in their lifetime. The data was collected from more than 1,400 women who had been in a partnership, encompassing various forms of IPV, such as physical, sexual, and psychological violence, controlling behaviors, and economic abuse. Given these findings, the authors advocate for broader prevention and intervention services that are culturally responsive and tailored to the specific needs of communities facing the highest burden of IPV. This study sheds light on the importance of addressing and mitigating intimate partner violence across diverse ethnic groups in New Zealand.