Family harm

Family harm is when someone uses their words or actions to control or harm a family or whānau member. Family harm is serious and can have long-term effects.

On this page

Reporting family harm

If you or your whānau are in immediate danger, call 111 and ask for the police.

These calls are free, and you can call this number on a mobile phone even if you have no credit.

What family harm is

Family harm can be a single act or a pattern of behaviour that causes harm, and that harm adds up over time for the person being targeted.

The harm or control can be:

  • physical
  • emotional
  • psychological
  • financial or dowry related
  • sexual
  • property or assets.

Harm or control can be one or a combination of these.

Getting help for family harm

If you are experiencing or witnessing harm, or want to change your own behaviour, help is available. Contact:

Are You Okexternal link

If you need a place to stay

The Women's Refuge can help with short-term accommodation. Call them on 0508 744 633

Change Is Possible

If you are concerned your behaviour is hurting or scaring loved ones, you can find information and support to make positive changes for you and your whānau.

Change Is Possibleexternal link

Hospital staff are trained to identify signs of harm

Health NZ has policies, procedures and guidelines in place to help staff identify signs of family harm and act on that.

We can provide support and offer referrals in a safe, non-judgemental way.

There is routine screening for:

  • all women aged over 16 years
  • rangatahi aged 12 to 15 who present with signs of abuse
  • males 16 years and over who present with signs of abuse.

For other help and support

Victim Support can give you help and advice on what to do and where to go for the counselling you might need.

Call Victim Support on 0800 842 846

ACC's sensitive claims service provides support for anyone in Aotearoa New Zealand, including visitors to the country, who has experienced sexual abuse or assault in New Zealand.

Support if you’ve experienced sexual abuse or assault — ACCexternal link

If you want or need to keep your former partner away from you apply for a protection order from the Ministry of Justice. It is free. 

Apply for a protection order — Ministry of Justiceexternal link