Violence Risk 4 Times Greater For Female Beneficiaries
Women who are beneficiaries have a four-fold risk of experiencing partner violence according to the New Zealand Crime
and Safety Survey 2006, published today as part of the Families Commission report, Family Violence Statistics.
In answering the question, who was most at risk of partner violence, the survey found risks were considerably higher for people in sole-parent households; Maori women had risks 3 times
the average for women overall; women who were beneficiaries had risks over 4 times the average; women living in the most
deprived areas were at higher risk; young people aged 15-24 were at higher risk, as well as those living as flatmates or
in rented accommodation.
Welfare commentator Lindsay Mitchell noted that the profile typically fits the thousands of young, Maori, single parents
living on the domestic purposes benefit, in deprived neighbourhoods, in state or other rental properties." This new
information is hugely important because it confirms that far from relieving women of partner violence, one of the
original purposes behind the DPB, receiving a benefit actually heightens the risk of it."
"Also significant is that those living in sole parent households have an incidence rate of experiencing partner violence more than 5 times greater than those living as a couple with children. This raises a question about how
legitimate the survey participants 'sole parent' status is. Are they describing themselves as sole parents primarily for
the purposes of claiming a benefit?"
Mitchell also commented about the lack of attention drawn to this aspect of interpersonal violence. " For instance the
report explores the role of drugs and alcohol but not welfare. An admission that welfare enables a lifestyle that too
often features partner violence is long overdue."
ENDS