'Not enough money' and jealousy driving domestic violence in Cook Islands

By Talaia Mika of Photo: 123RF Financial pressure and jealousy are key drivers behind domestic violence cases involving women in the Cook Islands, according to police and frontline service providers, following two recent assaults reported last week. Senior sergeant Rebecca Hosking, who works in domestic violence and has spent years combating family violence through Cook Islands Family Health and Safety, said many assaults stem from financial stress within the home. "The main issue is money," Hosking told Cook Islands News. "Low wages, not enough money to buy food for the children, to feed the family. That frustration builds, and it is the victim who ends up getting assaulted." Hosking said jealousy also plays a significant role, often linked to rumours or suspicions of infidelity, which escalate tensions within relationships. "These situations often end with the offender drinking alcohol and coming home angry," she said. "Alcohol is not the problem. It's the person." Photo: Cook Islands News/Cook Islands Police Her comments come as Punanga Turuturu Itivaine (PTI) also expressed deep concern over the two recent assaults against women, saying the incidents are a reminder that violence against women remains a serious issue in the community. While the cases are under police investigation, PTI, the primary women's counselling and support centre in the Cook Islands, said the concern extends beyond the individual incidents. "Our concern is not only for the immediate safety and wellbeing of the women affected, but also for the wider culture that allows such violence to continue, often in silence," PTI said in response to questions from Cook Islands News. Hosking said police continue to see recurring patterns in domestic violence cases, particularly in households experiencing financial hardship. "When partners don't get paid enough, or they don't bring money home, there's no food cooked, bills are piling up, and that frustration turns into violence," she said. In some cases, Hosking said, victims report being assaulted after questioning their partner about money or suspected infidelity. "Some women are told their partner has another relationship. When they ask questions, they get a hiding," she said. PTI said the recent cases reflect a broader, ongoing pattern of gender-faced violence in the Cook Islands. "These cases reflect a broader and ongoing pattern of gender-based violence that PTI and other service providers continue to see," the organisation said. "Many incidents go unreported due to fear, shame, or lack of confidence in the system." Hosking echoed this concern, saying under-reporting remains one of the biggest challenges police face. "Victims are too afraid to report, and when they do report, they are often pressured by partners and family members to withdraw," she said. Police operate under a no-drop policy for domestic violence cases, meaning once a report is made, it cannot simply be withdrawn. "When a domestic violence incident is reported, it goes to court," Hosking said. "The victim has to stand before a judge and explain why they want to withdraw." However, she acknowledged the pressure placed on victims can be overwhelming. "They're not just pressured by the partner, but by families on both sides. Shame plays a big role." Survivors remain unseen PTI said while support services are available, many survivors remain unseen. Support includes PTI's counselling, advocacy and referral services for women and children, alongside police and health services. Support for men is available through Punanga Ora'anga Matutu. "These services rely on people feeling safe to come forward," PTI said. "Demand often exceeds capacity, and without community support and open reporting, many survivors remain unseen." Hosking explained that police cannot force victims to attend counselling under the Victim Offences Act. However, police have introduced diversion schemes to address offending behaviour, even when cases do not proceed in the traditional court process. "When a case goes to court and the victim refuses to write a statement, it doesn't stop there," Hosking said. "The offender can be placed on a police diversion scheme." Under the scheme, offenders must meet with police and comply with conditions, including counselling. "The first condition is counselling, either through PTI or TePOM," she said. Hosking said the approach has shown positive results. "We've had couples go through counselling, mainly with TePOM, and they haven't re-offended. It's been working." Photo: Women's Refuge 'Assaulting your partner is a crime' She said education remains critical in breaking the cycle of violence. "Our people need to understand that assaulting your partner is a crime and there are consequences," Hosking said. "It comes down to respect." Both Hosking and PTI said many offenders grew up witnessing violence at home, believing it to be normal behaviour. "They've seen violence in the home...

'Not enough money' and jealousy driving domestic violence in Cook Islands

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