The level of family violence in New Zealand is unacceptably high. In 2009, 2855 children were physically abused, 1126 were sexually abused and 15,615 suffered emotional abuse and neglect.50 In 2010/11 there were 55,194 recorded incidences of family violence, up from 46,937 in 2009/2010.51 Violence is also endemic in New Zealand schools. Effects on victims can include living with anxiety and fear, lowered self-esteem, engagement in risk-taking behaviours such as substance abuse, self-harming, truanting and dropping-out from school, with associated long term adverse impacts. Victims may also suffer mental health issues including suicidal ideation, relationship difficulties and impeded emotional, behavioural and cognitive development.52 In response to recommendations made during New Zealand’s UPR the Government confirmed its objective to make the community safer for children, and to protect children and young people from abuse and neglect53. The prevalence of peer to peer violence and abuse in schools shows that the current legislative and regulatory framework fails to provide adequate protection for children and young people. Statistics New Zealand figures show the number of recorded offences of "acts intended to cause injury" at schools or education institutes increased 23 per cent from 2004 to last year.54 The Commission recommends that the State introduce a national response to bullying, violence and abuse in schools including legislative, policy and/or practice changes to improve students’ safety at school that will include a focus on affected children, young people and their families. Right to vote – Disabled people (Articles 2 & 25(b)) Although the Government has progressively implemented measures to remove the barriers that prevent disabled people from exercising their right to vote and to participate in elections, significant gaps remain that need to be addressed to fulfil New Zealand’s obligations under the CRPD and the ICCPR. For example, people who have difficulty reading standard print or literacy difficulties have experienced problems in accessing information about candidates, as have users of New Zealand sign language. The current legislation governing central government and local body elections does allow disabled voters to vote with assistance if needed.55 At times this could require disabled voters to disclose their voting preference to someone else, breaching their right to a secret vote.56 Failure to guarantee accessibility by means of reasonable accommodation and universal design57 infringes both the right to political participation and the principle of equality and non-discrimination.58 The Commission urges the Committee to request the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure the right to full political participation for all New Zealand citizens including those with disabilities. 50 Ministry of Social Development (2009), Protecting our most vulnerable infants. Media release, 3 September. http://www.msd.govt.nz/about-msd-and-our-work/newsroom/media-releases/2009/pr-2009-09-03.html 51 Ibid. 52 Office of the Children’s Commissioner (2009) School Safety: An Inquiry into the safety of students at school 53 Supra note 21. 54 Supra note 23. 55 Section 170 Electoral Act 1993; section 4 Local Electoral Act 2001. 56 Section 12 of the NZBORA states that every New Zealand citizen over the age of 18 has the right to vote by equal suffrage and by secret ballot 57 Article 2, United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 58 Article 5, United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Page 18 of 35