Police commissioner Mike Bush says every New Zealander needs to be doing what they can to put an end to family violence.

The commissioner has joined his Australian counterparts in a joint statement calling on communities to prevent violence from occurring.

Mr Bush said police in this country are responding to a family violence incident every five minutes, every day.

But he said family violence won't stop until people stop turning a blind eye to the disrespect of women, and address the signs of family violence.

"Intervene, provide advice, provide support, encourage people to change their behaviours, and also role model really good behaviour."

Police have been criticised in the past for failing to adequately respond to family violence incidents.

But Mike Bush said Police will respond to anyone in a family violence situation who needs help or feels their safety is compromised.

"There are people that live their lives in fear, and we encourage those people to reach out, to seek help because they should not have to live in those circumstances."

Police advice for people in family violence situations:

- In an emergency dial 111 and ask for the Police.

- If you or anyone you know is a victim of violence, talk to police or someone who can help.

- If you are concerned about your safety, you (or family or friends) can request information relating to the violence history of a new partner through the Family Violence Information Disclosure Scheme