Calls Grow for Men to Take Responsibility in Addressing Domestic Violence within Māori Communities
Advocates for women and victims of domestic abuse are increasingly calling for men to take accountability for the safety of their whanaunga (relatives) and for the well-being of tamariki (children) to be prioritized in resolving disputes. This demand for change gained momentum following singer Ria Hall’s valiant public disclosure of her experience wiht physical abuse on TVNZ’s Marae program. Her former partner, Eruera Keepa, was convicted of assault and subsequently given a prominent speaking role representing his iwi at Koroneihana, sparking widespread debate.
The Marae program highlighted the complex issue of men with histories of domestic violence and abuse being granted the cultural privilege of speaking on the paepae, or in formal public setting.
“Why are we leaving it always up to the women to have to go into battle for what they know – for a safe home?” she asked. “The men should be stepping up and calling out,calling out their whanaunga and saying this is not on,this is not right,and don’t presume to speak for us when you’re carrying this baggage with you. Because that’s not fair and it always seems [to land on] the women to actually to do the heavy lifting, and that can’t continue.” She stressed the expectation that leaders should approach their roles with “clean hands” and a “clean background,” suggesting a period of reflection and restorative work is necessary before resuming public representation.
The discussion also addressed the disproportionate impact of domestic violence on Māori women. Auckland University’s professor of Māori Health, Denise Wilson, explained that affording mana to abusers on the paepae sends an “unspoken reinforcement” that the safety of women and children is not valued. Wilson underscored the urgent need to prioritize the needs of mokopuna and tamariki, stating, “I think we really need to get back to putting our mokopuna and our tamariki at the centre and thinking about everything that we do is to benefit for them because if we don’t, they’re the next generation where the violence and trauma continues.”
Statistics presented during the program revealed that Māori women are three times more likely than non-Māori women to be hospitalized due to serious assault and injuries, and face a substantially higher risk of homicide related to family harm. A 2019 study led by Wilson examined the strategies wāhine Māori employ to maintain safety within unsafe relationships. The research found that these women often navigate complex and precarious situations, constantly monitoring their partners’ behaviors and contextual factors, often without adequate external support.
Wilson noted that many wāhine Māori operate in isolation from whānau and friends, fearing that seeking help could escalate the danger. She emphasized the heightened risk of serious harm and homicide around the time of separation. raukawa-Tait added that silence is detrimental, urging individuals to speak up and seek support from family and community resources.
A tikanga Māori approach, emphasizing collective responsibility and restorative justice, was proposed as a potential pathway toward resolution. Raukawa-Tait affirmed the importance of whānau involvement, stating, “Of course the whānau should come together and to do what they can as when a Māori woman is being beaten up and assaulted and violated, that’s a violation of her whakapapa. So everyone in that whānau, hapū, and iwi has a responsibility to ensure that she is safe.” However, she stressed that the well-being of children witnessing or experiencing abuse must be paramount, advocating for early intervention informed by tikanga.
Ria Hall received an apology from her former partner’s iwi following his appearance at Koroneihana, a gesture that acknowledged the harm caused by his actions. Watch the full report and panel discussion on TVNZ +. This case, and the broader conversation it ignited, underscores the urgent need for systemic change and a renewed commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of Māori communities.
