Examining the Family Violence “Safety” System in Aotearoa New Zealand: Where are Victim-Survivors Experiencing Safe Practice?
This report examines how the family violence response system in Aotearoa New Zealand functions from the perspective of the victim-survivors who rely on it. Using a critical multi-case study approach, the authors interviewed five women – three wāhine Māori and two Pākehā – and analysed their agency records. The findings show a system that fails to provide practical help, delivers fragmented and single-issue responses, treats family violence as a victim-survivor’s mental health issue, distrusts the people it is meant to serve, disproportionately fails wāhine Māori and enables men using violence to continue their abuse. In stark contrast, a kaupapa Māori marae-led programme provided immediate safety, material support and mana-enhancing care. The authors conclude that Māori leadership, governance and oversight offer the greatest potential to transform the system for all victim-survivors and their families and whānau.