Waikato Police are working to establish the most appropriate way to recognise the bravery of two women and one man who placed themselves in harm's way to ensure the safety of a woman being attacked in a violent domestic incident in Hamilton.

District Deployment Manager, Inspector Jeff Penno, says police had been faced with some challenges in regards to what to say in relation to the incident which happened on Kahikatea Dr last weekend.

"But after due consideration and mindful of the fact that the matter is still before the courts, we think the actions of these three friends has to be made public.

"Early last Saturday morning the trio, all males aged 18 to 20-years-old, were travelling on SH1 through Hamilton when they saw a woman being violently assaulted by a man on the side of the road."

Jeff says the men turned their car around and drove back to find the woman standing in the middle of the road screaming for help.

"Assisting her to the side of the road one of the group rang 111 while they endeavoured to keep the woman's male partner away from her.

"The offender was considerably larger than the rescuers but despite the risks they placed themselves in harm's way until Police arrived at the scene despite other people opting not to get involved."

Jeff described the situation as dangerous and violate but said the trio were prepared to get involved and stand up for the victim who was unable to do so herself.

"People need to make their own judgement calls on getting involved in situations like this and it's great to see these guys standing up and not tolerating this unacceptable behaviour in our community.

"The most Police would ask is that you always stop, keep a safe distance and call 111 immediately so you can speak up for those who can't speak for themselves. These men certainly went above and beyond what is expected."

The male offender was arrested and held in custody overnight and appeared in the Hamilton District Court later that day charged with assault with intent to injure.

The woman was taken to Waikato Hospital by ambulance.

"I've no doubt that the actions taken by these three men saved the woman from being seriously injured and Police can't thank them enough and we will be formally recognising their actions at a later date.

"While the Police are trained and equipped to deal with this level of violence and risk the public are not and which makes the actions they took that evening special and it's reassuring to see young males stepping up to the mark and saying domestic violence is not OK."

Source: Waikato Police.