Increasing numbers of pregnant women and ones aged over 60 are turning to women's refuge services in Whangarei, a report shows.
The rise is due to more public awareness that domestic violence is not acceptable and people being prepared to speak out, say those helping women and their families in crisis.
At Tryphina House Women's Refuge in Whangarei, women over the age of 60 made up 10 per cent of all clients last financial year - an increase of 7 per cent.
Team leader Jodie Findlay-Harris said national campaigns highlighting domestic violence had encouraged more people to come forward. And the turnout at a march through central Whangarei following the death of mother of two Patricia Ann McGrath last month showed people were prepared to speak out.
About 500 people joined the march, carrying posters of women killed in domestic violence incidents. "It's become more acceptable for families to seek help. There's not as much shame because more people are talking out about it," Ms Findlay-Harris said.