Service gaps for family violence and sexual violence

Overview

Aotearoa New Zealand has high rates of family violence and sexual violence (FVSV).

We know that there are big gaps in FVSV services, and that not everyone can access the support they need when they experience or use violence.

Tangata whenua, Pacific peoples, children and young people, disabled people, LGBTQIA+ communities, ethnic communities, older people and people who use violence are especially impacted by FVSV service gaps.

Te Aorerekura — the National Strategy to Eliminate Family Violence and Sexual Violence — calls on government to identify service gaps across Aotearoa and create a plan to address the family violence service gaps and a plan to address sexual violence service gaps (the Plans).

To support development of these plans, we’ve created:

1. a list of the FVSV service gaps which tangata whenua, communities, specialist sectors and government have identified over the years
2. draft criteria to support decisions about the order that these gaps will be addressed over time

We are seeking feedback on these two documents by 26 May 2023. If you have any questions, you can contact the team by emailing: TeAorerekura_Action29_30@msd.govt.nz

Why your views matter

To create comprehensive plans, we need to ensure we fully understand the FVSV service gaps that people are experiencing. We also need a transparent and fair process to support decisions about the order that FVSV service gaps will be addressed in the Plans.