A South Auckland barrister says new research on homicides within families shows New Zealand is failing women caught in domestic violence.
The report was compiled over a five-year period and found that almost 50% of homicides were committed by a relative of the victim.
The research was commissioned by the Ministry of Social Development.
It says there are nearly 30 deaths from domestic violence a year and that the majority of victims are women.
Barrister Catriona MacLennan says not enough is being done to protect women and many have nowhere to go because Women's Refuges are full.
