An unspoken crisis : exploring the pathways of support for wāhine Māori who have or are at risk of sustaining a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) from Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Māori knowledge at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

Research suggests a strong association between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and family violence or intimate partner violence (IPV). 1 Yet, there is very little research exploring the prevalence of TBI from IPV for wāhine Māori. And, even less research into practitioner (ngā mātanga) understanding of TBI from IPV. These knowledge gaps limits the ability of multiple social services and the health sector to respond to suffering associated with TBI. This qualitative study based on standard Māori research practices explored ngā mātanga understanding of TBI from IPV for wāhine Māori and how they navigate and support wāhine through this trauma. The intent was to identify gaps and barriers encountered in their mahi. Another goal was to map the family harm response and TBI treatment and rehabilitation process and consider its effectiveness for wāhine Māori. The data was collected from eight interviews, where a total of ten ngā mātanga participated. Ngā mātanga included social workers, a counsellor, a physiotherapist, advocates and psychologists, who for most have in some form worked with whānau impacted by family violence. Four key themes emerged from the data: 1. ngā mātanga awareness of a TBI from IPV 2. issues identifying a possible TBI from IPV 3. understanding and navigating referral pathways for TBI from IPV 4. gaps in current practitioner responses. Findings of this research demonstrated the limited awareness that surrounds this kaupapa, not just for service providers but also whānau and the general population. A second key finding is the response to family harm often centres on safety with many wāhine seldom receiving treatment or rehabilitation for TBI. This makes it difficult for wāhine and their whānau to recover and break the cycle of family harm. The final key finding is that when TBI from IPV is considered the treatment and rehabilitation pathways are not well understood, obscure and inconsistent. Of concern is that Māori understandings of dealing with and healing from trauma are seldom considered as part of the treatment and rehabilitation pathway. This information was used to consider how current practice could be reconfigured to reflect Te Ao Māori health and wellbeing priorities. It is argued that mātauranga, particularly pūrākau (narratives of our ancestors) and the concept of mana wāhine, must guide treatment and rehabilitation pathways to produce better outcomes and ultimately healing for wāhine Māori and their whānau.