Domestic Violence
For some children and young people in New Zealand, domestic violence is an everyday part of their lives. Young people are particularly at risk of experiencing violence directly, or else watching another family member being abused.
Domestic violence is about abuse in the home, but it’s not just about being hit or smacked. The term “domestic violence” covers a range of abusive behaviour – physical, sexual or psychological – that leads to fear, intimidation and emotional deprivation for the person experiencing the behaviour.
No matter what you have done, or what reasons someone gives for being abusive towards you, there is no excuse for domestic violence.
Domestic violence can occur in all types of family situations, and in all cultures. If you are experiencing domestic violence, there are steps that you can take under the law to try and change your situation.