A survey commissioned by the Ministry of Social Development suggests that the anti-domestic violence campaign called "It's not OK" is effective.
More than 1300 people over the age of 18 responded to the survey, which was conducted in 2008.
Among the key findings is that some people believe violence can be excused, although most agree it's not acceptable.
Some respondents said they were happy to see that violence within families is being talked about.
They felt the Campaign for Action on Family Violence, which runs the advertisements, has affirmed or changed their own beliefs about violence within families.
Survey author Fleur McLaren says the findings show that messages can be put to a wide audience through the media.
