More than 3500 domestic-violence reports were made to Northland police in the year to June - nearly 10 a day - but family violence experts say the problem is much bigger.
Figures released to the Northern Advocate show 2011 domestic violence incidents were reported in Whangarei/Kaipara in the 12 months to June 30, and 1504 in the Far North; a total of 3515, or 67 a week on average. That includes an increase of about 500 reports from last year.
Stacey Pepene, trainer/educator with Te Puna O Te Aroha Maori Women's Refuge in Whangarei and a spokeswoman for the It's Not Okay In Whangarei anti-domestic violence group, said she was not surprised reported abuse was rising.
Ms Pepene said family violence had been an issue for New Zealand for a long time, although the rise in reports showed that the taboo of domestic violence was starting to be broken.
"The thing that is changing though is that society is recognising it and acting on it," she said. "The police figures show that this is a big issue and we know that only about 18 per cent of family violence is actually reported. The statistics are reflecting what we already know about New Zealand.