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The purpose of this paper is to generate discussion about primary prevention of violence and how these approaches can be effectively implemented in New Zealand. Internationally there
have been shifts in understandings about violence prevention and a substantial increase in reports, frameworks and activities focused on primary prevention of violence.

This paper adds to the New Zealand knowledge base about primary prevention by ensuring that our understandings are in line with international developments. Increased understanding
will contribute to effective implementation of primary prevention approaches in New Zealand. Primary prevention is an emerging field of practice, and this paper provides information to ensure that people working in community and in government agencies understand what is distinctive about primary prevention. A recent stocktake of New Zealand sexual violence primary prevention services report suggests that this is not always the case.

The paper focuses on primary prevention of violence against women. This encompasses all forms of men’s violence against their female partners, as well as sexual violence in
non-intimate relationships. It provides a high level overview of principles that are applicable to preventing other forms of violence within families, including circumstances in which women use violence. Further work needs to be done on preventing these other forms of violence. (from the Introduction)