About 500 people gathered on Courtenay Place in Wellington to rally against sexual violence in 2021. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
New Zealand has rates of sexual violence against teenagers above the global average, ahead of even a badly afflicted Australia, according to new research.
A study published in The Lancet took a look across more than 200 countries over the last three decades.
Among people aged 12 to 18, it estimated almost 30 percent of New Zealand women and one in five men experience sexual violence.
Australian rates were just below that, but above those of most other high-income countries.
The global rate was 18.9 percent for women and 14.8 percent for men.
The study found significant differences between countries and regions. The US and UK rates for men were around 16 percent, versus almost 22 percent in New Zealand.
Montenegro and Mongolia had particularly low rates, and the Solomon Islands and Cote d'Ivoire, high.
"The prevalence... is extremely high for both females and males across the globe," said the researchers, noting these were probably underestimates given the difficulties getting data.
"An overwhelmingly high proportion of survivors first experienced sexual violence during childhood, revealing a narrow yet sensitive window that should be targeted in future prevention efforts."
They reviewed three global epidemiological databases.
New Zealand's high rates were despite the government spending $70 million on a 25-year plan launched in 2021 to combat sexual and family violence.
Reports on the plan, Te Aorerekura, found rates of sexual abuse of girls may have actually gone back up recently.
The researchers said the rates showed routine surveillance was vital, and that survivors needed more government-funded support "for the rest of their lives".
The second phase - with far fewer targets, after the first phase had too many, the government said - includes a review of the $1.3 billion spent on family and sexual violence services and contracts.
"We're focused on doing a smaller number of things, but doing them more effectively," said the minister responsible for the plan, Karen Chhour.
Community health professor Janet Fanslow at the University of Auckland told the Science Media Centre the study "should not be allowed to sit on a shelf somewhere" but be a catalyst for investment.
"It is no longer sufficient to take a piecemeal approach hoping that individual parts of the system will eventually join up," she said.
A primary objective of Te Aorerekura for four years had been to join up the efforts of about a dozen government agencies. Last year's review found a very spotty outcome.
Dr Rachel Roskvist, a forensic medical examiner and expert in sexual assault and non-fatal strangulation and suffocation, said comprehensive relationship and sexuality education was needed.
"What is not seen in this work is the prevalence among transgender, gender fluid, non-binary or intersex individuals, groups known to be at risk for sexual violence."
Where to get help:
- Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason
- Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends
- Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202
- Samaritans: 0800 726 666
- Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
- What's Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds
- Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and English.
- Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
- Healthline: 0800 611 116
- Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
- OUTLine: 0800 688 5463
- Aoake te Rā bereaved by suicide service: or call 0800 000 053
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
Sexual Violence
- NZ Police.
- Victim Support 0800 842 846.
- Rape Crisis: 0800 88 33 00.
- Rape Prevention Education.
- Empowerment Trust.
- HELP (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): 04 801 6655.
- Safe to talk: 0800 044 334.
- Tautoko Tāne Male Survivors Aotearoa.
- Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) 022 344 0496.
