Global Report Reveals 25% of Women Face Partner Abuse

A new report from the World Health Organization reveals that a staggering quarter of women globally have experienced physical or sexual abuse by a partner. This alarming statistic has remained unchanged over the past two decades, highlighting a persistent issue that demands urgent attention and action.

In Australia and New Zealand, the figures are equally concerning, with 24.5% of women reporting similar experiences. The head of Women’s Refuge, Ang Jury, expressed disappointment but not surprise at these revelations. She emphasized the need for a fundamental shift in societal attitudes, stating, “Until such time as men realize that they don’t own their women, nothing’s gonna change.”

Jury pointed out that significant societal changes have occurred in New Zealand, particularly in attitudes toward smoking and drink driving. She advocates for a comprehensive public awareness campaign aimed at preventing domestic violence, akin to the successful “It’s Not Okay” initiative from the mid-2000s. “It would have to be a bipartisan thing, with the understanding that nothing is gonna change overnight,” she added.

Calls for Action and Awareness

Professor Janet Fanslow from the University of Auckland, who has studied violence for nearly 40 years, emphasized the importance of sustained campaigns. She cited the earlier success of the “It’s Not Okay” campaign, which was bolstered by 150 community-based prevention projects. “At the beginning, it was not only the national campaign around the messaging but that campaign was actually backed with community efforts. And then we let it drop,” she noted.

Fanslow, who advised the World Health Organization on the report, believes that a similar nationwide effort is essential for driving change in New Zealand. She highlighted that in some other countries, community programs have successfully reduced intimate partner violence by as much as 50% within four years. “We often talk about it as an intergenerational problem, but we actually need intergenerational funding to implement it consistently across entire populations,” she explained.

Political Support and Future Endeavors

Political leaders across the spectrum have condemned the statistics, recognizing the need for a unified approach to tackle this crisis. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stated, “Fully agree, and that’s why we have continued the previous government’s program that they put in place.” This program, known as Te Aorerekura, is a 25-year strategy aimed at eliminating family and sexual violence through various action plans.

Karen Chhour, the minister for family and sexual violence prevention, reported that the government’s second action plan has met its initial goals, which include enhancing multi-agency responses and expanding access to safety programs for survivors. She noted an increase in reporting, suggesting greater public awareness of unacceptable behaviors.

Opposition spokesperson Helen White raised concerns about emerging challenges, particularly the impact of misogyny on social media. “We have a really strong wind of misogyny coming through our social media, and it is really taking its toll on the way that young people think about their sexual relationships,” she stated. White emphasized the necessity of education in fostering change among younger generations.

As discussions continue, a collaborative effort across political lines appears crucial for addressing the pervasive issue of domestic violence. Organizations such as Women’s Refuge and various support lines remain available for those affected, offering critical resources and assistance.

For immediate support, individuals can contact:
– Family Violence Women’s Refuge: 0800 733 843
– It’s Not OK: 0800 456 450
– Shine: 0508 744 633
– Victim Support: 0800 842 846
– HELP (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): 04 801 6655

The findings from the World Health Organization serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against domestic violence, urging governments, communities, and individuals to take decisive action for a safer future.