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One Rotorua women's refuge says it has been shocked at the increase in those needing to escape abusive homes over the past 18 months.
But the rise in those affected by family violence isn't just a Rotorua problem - one Auckland provider told RNZ the economic situation in New Zealand over the last year and a half has compounded the problem.
Jonathon Hagger is on the board of Waiariki Women's Refuge in Rotorua.
He said they had a feeling more women and their families were needing help, but it was still a shock to see their numbers from the last financial year.
"Our crisis line, which is
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