Te hā o te whānau : how Māori social service practitioners support whānau affected by whānau violence : Te hā o te whānau : how Māori social service practitioners support whānau affected by whānau violence

Abstract

There is a dearth of knowledge regarding violence and Māori whānau written from the perspectives of Māori women, social service practitioners and other professionals, however, the literature comes from a national perspective. Literature from a local perspective is sparse on how Māori whānau affected by whānau violence are supported. This research explores the perspectives of four Māori social service practitioners on how they support whānau affected by whānau violence in the Eastern Bay of Plenty region. This research focuses on the exploration of a whole of whānau approach to whānau violence. It is not aimed at individuals. Rather, it is recognised that each person is a part of a collective and in terms of whānau violence, collective healing needs to occur. Consulting Māori social service practitioners about effective interventions and barriers to effective interventions may contribute to more beneficial outcomes for whānau, now and into the future so mokopuna grow up in violence-free homes. This research project draws on a kaupapa Māori qualitative methodology and a semi structured focus group interview was conducted with four Māori social service practitioners. The results of the research are consistent with the reviewed literature regarding the effects of colonisation on Māori, however, some new perspectives were offered regarding supporting whānau in rural communities. Government policy, decisions and funding that impacted on Māori social service practitioner’s ability to support whānau is of considerable concern. The formulation, design and implementation of kaupapa Māori interventions in the Eastern Bay of Plenty would be a step in a positive direction in order to effectively support whānau.