48793 (2025). Hon Marama Davidson to the Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence

48793 (2025). Hon Marama Davidson to the Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence: Is the Minister aware of any instances where either sponsorship of a visa application, or application for a visa, has happened due to coercion in a family violence situation, and if so, how many?

Hon Karen Chhour: I am aware of anecdotal reports that family violence is a concern for some people on sponsorship visas or people applying for other visas. Family violence takes many forms, and abusive people can take advantage of different situations to control or coerce their victims. This includes immigration status. The ‘Victims of Family Violence Resident Visa’ is one option available to people who have experienced family violence and have been in a partnership with a New Zealand citizen or resident.