Shortland Street tackles domestic abuse with a graphic scene

Shortland Street viewers witnessed a shocking scene of domestic abuse on last night's episode. 

The episode ended with Finn Warner shoving his wife Esther into a kitchen bench, breaking her rib.

The New Zealand-made TV soap shined a light on domestic violence in the hope of getting people to talk about the issue and change bad habits.

READ MORE: Shortland Street Star Jarod Rawiri reveals talent on The Wake Up Call

Ngahuia Piripi, whose character Esther experiences the physical abuse, said: "I think it's a really important story to tell.

"... if we can make at least one person realise that it's not okay, then we have helped to highlight the issue."

Citing 2016 statistics, South Pacific Pictures said the police attended a family-violence incident every 4.5 minutes.

You can watch the abusive scene above, but we warn you that it may be upsetting for some. 
 

Need help with domestic abuse?

Shine - 0508 744 633, 9am to 11pm

Are you ok? Family violence information line - 9am to 11pm, with an after-hours message redirecting callers in the case of an emergency

Women's Refuge - 0800 REFUGE (733 843)

Oranga Tamariki, Ministry for Children - 0508 326 459 if you are concerned about a child or young person.