Family violence, whānau violence, violence within whānau
Definitions
“The Taskforce understands whānau violence as the compromise of te ao Māori values. Whānau violence can be understood as an absence or a disturbance in tikanga. Tikanga is defined by this Taskforce as the process of practising Māori values. The Taskforce believes that transgressing whakapapa is a violent act and that Māori have a right to protect (rather than defend) their whakapapa from violence and abuse.” (p.10)
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“A critical distinction noted by the literature review is the difference between family violence and whānau violence. Whānau violence is defined as “the compromise of te ao Māori values and can be understood as an absence or disturbance of tikanga2 and transgressions against whakapapa.3” Within this definition of whānau violence the use of Māori traditional knowledge and cultural practices are fundamental to addressing whānau violence and achieving whānau ora (wellbeing). On the other hand, it is argued that the term family violence is not broad enough to encompass fully the realities of whānau. The definition of family is based upon a nuclear model. This is not a definition that encompasses the complexities of relationships within whānau.
The literature review provides a strong argument that historically whānau violence was not part of te ao Māori (traditional Māori society) and when violence did occur, it was addressed collectively. It is argued that colonisation has undermined whānau structures and relationships within whānau including gender relationships, and that the violence evident in Māori communities is the contemporary legacy of colonisation.
It is further argued that mainstream approaches to violence have failed to meet the needs of Māori, evidenced by the unmet need in Māori communities, and have failed to stem the epidemic of whānau violence.4 Kaupapa Māori approaches (including Māori cultural constructs, Māori cultural templates and tikanga Māori) are advocated as having the capacity.” (p.3)
Te Puni Kokiri. (2010). Rangahau Tūkino Whānau: Māori Research Agenda on Family Violence
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“In dealing with any serious social issue within society there is a need for clear definitions of the area which serve as a starting point from which understandings, explanations and response are developed. In the area of family violence for Māori it has been argued that existing definitions of what constitutes family violence have been based upon Pākehā understandings of ‘family’ and ‘violence’ within those family structures. There are a small number of key definitions of family violence within policy and legislation in this country. None of those definitions are currently broad enough to encompass fully the realities of whānau. The definition of family is based upon a nuclear model, this is not a definition that encompasses the complexities of relationships within whānau. Equally, none of the current dominant definitions include analysis of violence such as colonisation or racism, which are issues that are hugely significant in the life experiences of many whānau. It is clear that definitions of family violence for Māori need to be more fully debated by Māori, including analysis of the terms ‘Family Violence for Māori’ and ‘Whānau Violence’ in order to provide a clear definition that will support developments in the field.” (p.34)
Te Puni Kokiri. (2010). Arotake Tūkino Whānau: Literature Review on Family Violence
Sexual violence
“Āronga Māori hold that each person is imbued with mana and sexual violence directly impacts on the mana of the whanau member who has been violated as well as their whanau.” (p.19)
“The findings of the study revealed that the impact of sexual violence negatively affects the sense of ‘mana’ experienced by individuals and their whānau. Kaupapa and tikanga Māori service response involves activities which lead to the restoration of ‘mana’. Service delivery that places the individual within the context of their whānau is viewed as the most effective response to restoring ‘mana’. The report acknowledges that kapupapa and tikanga Māori service provision is directly related to addressing levels of complexities associated with understanding cultural identity inclusive of inter-hapū dynamics.” (p.6)
Hamilton-Katene, S. (2009). National Stocktake of Kaupapa and Tikangā Māori Services in Crisis, Intervention, Long Term Recovery and Care for Sexual Violence, October 2008-April 2009
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“... a unique Māori definition of sexual abuse based on cultural values is defined as the trampling of a person’s mana or personal power and identity by others’ sexual comments or behaviours. This definition is grounded in the Māori value of relationships, which Māori view as important and sacred engagements”. (p.297)
Note: This page was created as pre-reading for the Auckland Regional Networking Meeting, Family and Sexual Violence held at Western Springs in September 2012.