Police have said that serious cases involving assault in domestic violence cases are running at just under 26 per cent. This is the trajectory of figures for 2023.

Police media officer Trevor Pitt said last year the violence cases were over 26 per cent of the total number of cases requesting police intervention.

“The reported domestic incidents cover the full range of disputes and arguments, which are mostly settled once the police show up. So no further action is required,” Pitt said.

“The more serious cases are those that result in a physical action, i.e. assault. These are the ones that represent about 26 per cent of the total number of complaints received.”

Cook Islands counselling services, Punanga Tauturu Inc (PTI) and Te Punanga Ora’anga Matutu (Te POM), said the stats could have been a lot higher.

PTI coordinator Rebeka Buchanan says the court or police refer those who come to them with all these issues to the counselling services.

However, Buchanan says they would prefer that the victims or those accused be referred to them earlier, than or as soon as they are identified.

She says when cases are taken to court and if the court orders counselling, then the counselling takes about six weeks, causing a delay to the matter.

Buchanan says the best way to work with them is to have both the defendant and victim attend both the men and women’s counselling sessions.

Daryl Gregory of Te POM said there still needed to be a lot of awareness taking place.

He once again called on traditional leaders, church, and government leaders to talk about domestic violence and create awareness.

“They should preach about it and leaders should speak out about it,” Gregory said. “If we have to make a change, then talk about it, don’t be silent.”