How to recognise family violence
Family violence is frequently grouped into 3 broad types:
- intimate partner violence, such as between married, de facto or dating couples
- child abuse and neglect (note that intimate partner violence and child abuse and neglect may co-occur)
- intrafamilial violence, which includes abuse between family members other than intimate partners or parents and children, such as elder abuse, sibling violence and wider whānau abuse.
Forms of family violence
Family violence usually happens within an ongoing pattern of control and coercion. It's likely that a victim will be subjected to many forms of violence, frequently beyond phyisical violence. Learn more about the various forms of family violence.
Common signs of family violence
There are some common signs that can help identify family violence is occurring, but there may also be no signs. Both the victim and the perpetrator can display signs. Learn more about some common signs of family violence and indicators of potential high-risk situations.
Indicators of child abuse and neglect
Anyone who believes a child or young person has been, or is likely to be, harmed, illtreated, abused, neglected or deprived should report this to the Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki or Police.
Ensure that the child or young person is safe from immediate harm. Do not interview the child, as specialist expertise is required. Involve a specialist agency as soon as possible (the Ministry for Vulnerable Children, Oranga Tamariki 24/7 phoneline is 0508 326 459, or notify Police).
Indicators of child abuse and neglect may vary depending on the child's age, and there's likely to be more than one. Learn about possible indicators of child abuse and neglect.
Next steps
Have you seen someone affected by any of these forms, signs and indicators of family violence? Learn what you can say to them.
This draft practice guide is being tested by selected generalist service providers.
