New Zealand Human Rights Commission Submission to the CAT in relation to NZ’s 6th
periodic review
3.
Violence
A. Violence against women
LOIPR: para 4 – In light of previous recommendations of the Committee (para.17), please
provide statistical data on the number of incidents of violence against women, including
domestic violence, since the consideration of the last periodic report in 2009...
Please indicate if the State party has taken additional protective measures for women during
the period under review
Relevant provision of the CAT: Article 2
Key issues:
Violence against women is pervasive. In 2013, there were 6749 recorded male
assaults female offences. There were 1,848 reported sexual offences against an
adult over 16 years.
Only 1 in 10 sexual assaults are actually reported to Police and only 3 of them
are prosecuted.
Lack of an agreed common understanding and definition of family and sexual
violence.
Lack of appropriate data.
Lack of joined up programmes and services that are monitored and evaluated.
Apparent lack of emphasis on prevention in some Police practice and policy.
Confusion about the application of sections 128 and 134 of the Crimes Act 1961
in investigations of sexual assault.
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