Research & Publications

We undertake original research projects on domestic violence issues in New Zealand.

Domestic violence impacts on a number of sectors. These include housing, employment, welfare, police, education, disability issues, drugs and alcohol, health, corrections and the justice sector.

Our research investigates domestic violence and issues related to these sectors. On an ad hoc basis, we undertake various projects to help us find ways to improve the safety and well being of New Zealand women and children.

Reproductive Coercion Report

Women’s Refuge has today released a study that examines reproductive coercion. While some research on reproductive coercion has been undertaken in other countries, like the United States, to date there has not been a comprehensive study of reproductive coercion in New Zealand – making this study a first of its kind.

Reproductive coercion is a form of Intimate Partner Violence (IVP) that involves controlling access and tampering with contraceptives, pregnancy coercion, attempting to cause miscarriage, and intentional exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs).   The study also looked at partner behaviours during different points of pregnancy and around the termination of a pregnancy. In addition it addressed the monitoring of sexuality as a form of control, and as a way to facilitate reproductive coercion.

There was no other way out: Exploring the relationship between women’s experiences of intimate partner violence, and their self harm, suicidal thoughts and suicide events (2018)

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been implicated in a sizeable number of deaths by suicide worldwide, representing a hidden form of lethality of this type of violence. However, there are very few New Zealand-specific studies that focus on the intersections between IPV and suicide, and none that explore the subjective experiences of women who have suffered both IPV and suicidal thoughts or attempts. This research consequently focuses on women’s total experiences of abuse, violence, and suicidality, and, in particular, the ways that women who have been victims believe these experiences relate to one another.

What’s his is his, and what’s mine is his: Women’s experiences of economic abuse in Aotearoa New Zealand (2017)

This report looks at the concept of economic abuse, followed by an overview of existing literature. The findings are consistent of descriptive statistical data and themes associated with these discrete areas of interest. The research concludes with summary of warning signs, implications for practitioners, and possible considerations for future research.

Other Research

Violence Prevention for Young Women At Risk – Evaluation Report October 2013 (PDF)pdf

Impact of the Family Violence Interagency Response System (FVIARS) on Women’s Refuge Clients (PDF)pdf

Pets used as Pawns in Domestic Violence (PDF)pdf

Our other future research includes issues such as:

  • Reproductive coercion
  • Stalking
  • Cyber Abuse
  • the relationship between housing and homelessness and domestic violence
  • forced marriage and domestic violence

If you’re interested in this research, contact us for more information.

You can also access more research about domestic violence at the New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse.

Participating in research

We take part in a range of qualitative and quantitative research to further the understanding of domestic violence and improve outcomes for women and children. Research projects include:

  • the evaluation of Police Safety Orders (PSO)
  • the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
  • the It’s Still Not OK! report compiled by Lisa Close.