Report finds role agencies play in entrapping Māori women

New research into family violence has found that agencies and services designed to help Māori women in unsafe relationships often contribute to their entrapment. The 88 page report, found that negative interactions, racist attitudes, and denied entitlements left wāhine feeling unsafe, while fear of having their children removed prevented them from seeking help. In New Zealand, Māori women bear the greatest burden of family violence as victims of assault and homicide. While partner violence is estimated to affect one in three women, the lifetime prevalence for Māori women can be as high as 80 percent. The research, was led by Professor Denise Wilson, Director of the Taupua Waiora Centre for Māori Health Research at AUT.