Risk Factors for Intimate Partner Violence Victimisation

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant issue in New Zealand. Reported rates of IPV for New Zealand over a lifetime are estimated at 26% for women 18% for men. Over a 12 month period reported rates of IPV was reported at three percent for women and one point eight percent for men (Morris and Reilly, 2003). This thesis set out to answer the following research questions:1. What factors are strong predictors for intimate partner violence victimisation? 2. Is victim ethnicity factored out when variables such as SES, income and/or employment status are taken into account? This thesis analysed complex survey data from New Zealand National Survey of Crime and Victimisation Survey 2001 (NZNSCV). Logistic regression analysis was use to investigate the risk factors for victimisation reported over a lifetime and reported in the previous 12 month period (2000). Explanatory variables were selected from existing research that identified key variables for analysis. In answer to the research questions: 1. The strong predictors for IPV over a lifetime were Maori, people aged 25-39 years, females, solo parents, over-crowded households, those on socialwelfare benefits, and those divorced orseparated. For 12 month prevalence of IPV strong predictors were those aged 15-24 years, Maori, lower NZSEI groups, solo parents with children, those in defacto relationships and those who do not own or rent a house. 2. Ethnicity is strongly significant in explaining victimisation even when other variables are factored into the model. In particular Maori reported to be twice as likely to be victims of IPV over a lifetime and three-and-a-half times more likely over the past 12 month period (Morris and Riley). This difference in reporting was not as large when other factors where factored in, however Maori remained at a significantly higher rate of reporting IPV than other ethnic groups, even when other variables are factored in. This thesis adds to the body of evidence on risk factors and strengthens the New Zealand data available, as well as highlighting factors for prevention and areas that policy should be aimed at.