A petition is calling for political party candidates to make upfront statements about their position on sexual violence.

The woman who is leading the petition, Louise Hutchinson, says one in five New Zealand women suffer from sexual violence.

Ms Hutchinson says it's a major social issue that's right up there with poverty, housing and environmental issues.

"We're just sick of it being pushed aside, or swept under the carpet. We know the impact it's having on our society yet it still doesn't seem to be valued."

Ms Hutchinson says the current criteria is too vague and voters deserve to know where candidates stand.