Figures released under the Official Information Act show police are investigating almost 50,000 more family violence incidents, compared to 10 years ago.

The number of offences is also up, with almost 40,000 last year.

But the number of apprehensions and prosecutions is trending down with 16,764 prosecutions last year, down more than 2500 from 2008.

Police National Prevention Manager Eric Tibbott says the increase is due to a change in practice, where every family harm report receives the same level of investigation by police.

He told Mike Hosking there are more resources police can use in family harm situations.

"Even if there's not evidence of a criminal offence we can do something. So we can provide victim services, we can look at perpetrator services so there's a whole wrap around holistic approach to family harm to make a difference."

However, former Women's Refuge CEO Merepeka Raukawa-Tait told Mike Hosking the numbers are appalling.

She says victims expect police to take people to court when they're accused of something serious.

"I'm very disturbed to think that there is such a great percentage of increase and yet the prosecutions are going down and getting to court is going down. It doesn't add up, something is definitely wrong."

LISTEN ABOVE AS ERIC TIBBOT AND MEREPEKA RAUKAWA-TAIT SPEAK WITH MIKE HOSKING

How to get help

If you're in danger NOW:

• Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours of friends to ring for you • Run outside and head for where there are other people • Scream for help so that your neighbours can hear you • Take the children with you • Don't stop to get anything else • If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay

Where to go for help or more information:

• Women's Refuge: Free national crisisline operates 24/7 - 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz • Shine, free national helpline 9am- 11pm every day - 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz • It's Not Ok: Information line 0800 456 450 www.areyouok.org.nz • Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and their children. Crisisline 24/7 0800 742 584 • Ministry of Justice: www.justice.govt.nz/family-justice/domestic-violence • National Network of Stopping Violence: www.nnsvs.org.nz • White Ribbon: Aiming to eliminate men's violence towards women, focusing this year on sexual violence and the issue of consent. www.whiteribbon.org.nz

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