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https://www.violencefree.govt.nz/assets/Workforce-Frameworks/Specialist-Family-Violence-Organisational-Standards-May-2022.pdf

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While both women and men can use violence, men are more likely than women to use violence and power and control towards others.

Violence against women on this scale indicates that it cannot simply be viewed as an individual pathology or relationship dysfunction. Instead, it can only be fully understood by placing it in the context of widespread social beliefs and practices which oppress women and condone violence against them.

Gender-based violence is reflective of wider social issues in patriarchal societies, such as those brought to Aotearoa New Zealand during colonisation. There are strong historical and cultural facilitators of violence supporting patriarchy, including belief around gender roles as a natural order, objectification of women, forced submission to men and overt coercion and physical force to uphold gender power imbalances.

Gender-based violence does not account for all forms of family violence. It is important to acknowledge the interconnection of all other social issues relating to power and inequity. There are additional layers of oppression for wāhine and kōtiro Māori that are not explained by a gendered analysis of the abuse of male power and privilege. It is important to understand the roles and positions of wāhine Māori in whānau, hapū ̧ and iwi and to recognise that strict gender arguments may render cultural oppression and racism invisible.

Men, boys and other genders experience violence, and women and other genders also use violence. In particular, LGBTQIA+ people are susceptible to family violence and sexual violence outside of the gender dynamic and can be further ‘othered’ by the dominant heteronormative language and systems.

Men who have experienced family or sexual violence as a child report that the abuse is perpetrated by both men and women.

The disability community can also experience violence in different ways and at different rates.