High rates of sexual violence against women in New Zealand

Recent research indicates that the rate of sexual violence against adolescents in New Zealand exceeds the global average, surpassing even Australia, which is considered heavily affected in this regard. 

A study published in The Lancet examined over 200 countries across the past three decades. It is estimated that approximately 30% of New Zealand women aged 12 to 18 experience sexual violence. 

Australia’s rate was slightly lower but still higher than most other high-income countries. Globally, the rate of women experiencing sexual violence is 18.9%. 

The study highlighted significant variations between countries and regions. The rate of sexual harassment for men was around 16% in the US and UK, while in New Zealand, it was approximately 22%. 

Researchers noted that these figures are likely underreported due to challenges in data collection, emphasizing that the prevalence of sexual violence against women worldwide remains alarmingly high. 

A significant proportion of survivors experienced sexual violence for the first time during childhood, underscoring a critical yet limited timeframe that future prevention efforts must target. 

Despite New Zealand’s high rates of violence and abuse against women, the government has allocated a $70 million budget for a 25-year plan, launched in 2021, to combat sexual and family violence. 

Reports related to this initiative, suggest that rates of sexual abuse against girls may have risen again in recent years.