Evaluation of Programmes for Maori Adult Protected Persons Under the Domestic Violence Act 1995

• NCJ Number: 197072
• Author(s): Fiona Cram; Leonie Pihama; Kuni Jenkins; Matewiki Karehana
• Date Published: June 2002
• Length: 166 pages
• Sale Source: New Zealand Ministry of Justice
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: New Zealand

Annotation

This document evaluates two programs delivered by Maori providers for Maori Adult Protected Persons.

Abstract

The Domestic Violence Act 1995 provides for programs for those with Protection Orders. The Programs for Adult Protected Persons contribute to the legislation’s primary objective of providing greater protection for the victims of domestic violence. The goals of the programs specify that Maori values and concepts are to be taken into account. The two programs evaluated were selected based on type of program, geographical location, size of client group, and length of time in operation. The Tu Tama Wahine o Taranaki has both a rural and urban focus. Facilitators travel to clients in outlying areas and work with groups and individual female Maori Adult Protected Persons. There is a program for children linked with the Adult Protected Persons program. The Te Whare Ruruhau o Meri program is a large, well-established agency that works largely with individual female Adult Protected Persons. The evaluation included a series of interviews held with program staff, key informants, and program participants. Results showed that the philosophies of both programs were grounded in Kaupapa Maori with program content being designed to meet the goals outlined in the Domestic Violence Regulations 1996 and to support women in cultural empowerment. Both programs achieve the protection of participants through education, information, support and empowerment, and enabling women to take control of their circumstances. This includes gaining an understanding of the wider socio-historical-cultural context of domestic violence. Participant access to the programs was pivotal. This includes not only the location of the providers but also the skill and expertise of the facilitators. Feedback from participants was positive and they reported that the program had had positive outcomes for them. Referrals to the programs come from a variety of sources, with the Family Court only responsible for a small proportion of referrals. Both programs include each of the seven Maori values and concepts. Within programs for Maori Adult Protected Persons the understanding of the client group and the delivery of the best practice resides largely in the vision of the women who make up the service. 7 appendices