Domestic violence rate 'sky high' in Rotorua

Rotorua police attend at least five domestic disputes a day and say the number of protection orders being sought by victims is "sky high."

Family Court Judge Paul Whitehead also says Rotorua fares badly in domestic violence.

Senior Sergeant Dave Donaldson of Rotorua said yesterday that the level was alarming.

On Tuesday night alone, police arrested three people in separate domestic incidents.

"There is a concerning level of domestic violence out there.

"We would attend upwards of 30 disputes a week. Sometimes it's neighbours, but most of the time it is male and female disputes.

"Domestic violence, including partner abuse and child abuse, is the most prevalent form of violence we have in the community," Senior Sergeant Donaldson said.

The role of police was made difficult by the reluctance of victims to lay complaints, he said.

"We often get to an incident and the victim or the witnesses won't help us. And if they do they often come down to the station later and withdraw the complaint.

"It must be extremely difficult for some people to get out of their situation.

"There are strong emotional ties and blackmail by the abusers."

He did not think the prevalence of domestic abuse was higher in Rotorua than anywhere else. It was a "significant problem" in many New Zealand communities.

However, Judge Whitehead said the number of protection orders issued through the court was high and he felt Rotorua had "a particularly high incidence rate [of domestic abuse] per head of population."

"Rotorua also has the highest number of prosecutions for breach of protection order because the Family Court here is very proactive at enforcing their orders.

"I think the orders are very important."

- NZPA