Campaign targets 'hidden' domestic violence

New Zealanders need to stop turning a blind eye to domestic violence, Women's Refuge says.

Speaking at the launch of the organisation's annual appeal today, Women's Refuge chief executive Heather Henare said New Zealanders were reluctant to accept domestic violence was happening in their families, groups of friends or communitites.

"We still seem to be prepared to tolerate violence towards women, if we think it is somehow justified."

Ms Henare said society needed to acknowledge that there was no reason any woman should be controlled by violence.

This year's campaign had a message about the hidden nature of domestic violence and helping women see "light at the end of a very dark tunnel".

"Until this issue achieves the visibility it deserves, until we stop blaming women for men's violence, Women's Refuge will be needed to speak out on their behalf."

The appeal runs until July 26.

- NZPA