Gender matters in domestic violence crime.

At present, our justice system does not distinguish between the two types of offenders: victims of ongoing abuse who use responsive violence; and perpetrators of sustained and intentional abuse.

Imagine being arrested for trying to protect yourself or a child from assault. Would you ever risk calling for help in the future?

15 July 2009, AUCKLAND:

“The likelihood of a partner using violence against us depends largely on whether our partner is male or female,” says Deborah Mackenzie, Interagency Coordinator at shine* shine* researched all domestic violence arrests in Auckland City from April to September 2008 and found of all offenders arrested for domestic violence, 10% were women.

“We often hear female offending is on the rise. Data from Auckland shows that this is not the case and men remain the predominant perpetrators of domestic violence against their female partners,” reports Deborah Mackenzie.

Just over half the females arrested in the six month period had offended against a male (ex) partner. Looking into the history of all the women who were arrested, Deborah Mackenzie discovered well over half of them had been the victim of abuse at the hands of their male partner, often enduring horrific abuse for many years. On the occasions they retaliated or used self defence to protect themselves they were arrested.

There were no women offending against a male (ex) partner scored by police as being high risk offenders. Furthermore 62% of the women were assessed by police as being of no apparent risk. In the majority of cases the male victims did not report feeling scared of their female partner.

Violence of any kind is not condoned at shine*, however, it is absolutely vital our community response to domestic violence recognizes there can be significant differences in the context, impact and intent behind the violence often largely influenced by the perpetrator’s gender.

Men and women in heterosexual relationships use violence in different ways and for different purposes. Often men’s use of violence is to have control and power over their female partner, whereas women are more likely to use violence against their male partner to protect themselves, or in retaliation or response to what they have experienced in the past.

At present our justice system does not distinguish between the two types of offenders: victims of ongoing abuse who use responsive violence; and perpetrators of sustained and intentional abuse.

Scenario: o You have called the police to protect yourself or a child from assault o You raise a chair to protect yourself or a child o The police arrive and you are arrested and charged with assault Would you ever take the risk of calling for help in the future?

shine* provides:

Free National Helpline to assist callers with a range of professional support services including risk assessment, safety planning, information, advocacy and referrals

24 Hour professional crisis and advocacy support for child and adult victims of domestic violence _ Refuge accommodation on the North Shore, Auckland

Child Crisis Team - for children distressed by witnessing violence in their homes who are often also at risk of being assaulted themselves

No Excuses - a stopping violence programme to help educate men who use abusive and violent behaviour

Local inter-agency network coordination to ensure our services work together to keep people safe

Safe @ Home programme - to secure the homes of victims with replacement solid wood doors, window locks, security lighting and silent, personal alarm systems

Domestic violence awareness and professional training programmes - for volunteers, tertiary students, professionals (i.e. police, social workers, health professionals, teachers etc) and community groups

Workplace Trust & Support – programme that shows how to positively address bullying and domestic violence in the workplace

ENDS

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