Free from Abuse - Download by Chapter
- Free from abuse (pdf 5.56mb)
- Executive Summary (pdf 29KB)
- Chapter One: Introduction (pdf 30KB)
- Chapter Two: Methodology and Background to Study (pdf 83KB)
- Chapter Three: Introducing the Women; Abuse and Moving On (pdf 98KB)
- Chapter Four: Te Whanau Koriwai (pdf 89KB)
- Chapter Five: Family Violence: A Pacific Perspective(pdf 82KB)
- Chapter Six: Leaving and Separation (pdf 90KB)
- Chapter Seven: Facilitating Change: A Matter of Money (pdf 76KB)
- Chapter Eight: Assistance: Social Networks (pdf 63KB)
- Chapter Nine: Assistance: Formal Support and Professional Services (pdf 104KB)
- Chapter Ten: What Can Be Done (pdf 32KB)
This chapter consists of a brief outline of the issue and the history and cultural and practical orientations of the report.
The chapter begins by describing the methodology of this research, including an overview of terminologies and various approaches to research on the abuse of women. An account of feminist analyses and ethical practices in respect of culturally centred research, followed by historical overview, provide background to the material and analysis of this report.
Brief reference is made to the compelling, though less obvious, issue of symbolic violence. A critique of the widely used notion of a cycle of violence and preference for the spiral as a representation of women's processes of becoming free from abuse is outlined and points to the fuller discussion in Chapter Six. The chapter concludes with a section on health sector responses in New Zealand and a review of key Government strategies.
Women who shared their stories are introduced. The diversity of their stories of leaving and separation is indicated and the story of one woman is followed through to give a coherent picture of the interplay of the trauma of an abusing husband with extended violence after separation through court hearings, custody and accommodation and monetary challenges.
Intergenerational experience, use of services, ethnic differences and the role of spirituality and religion are discussed. Women's relational orientation and processes for dealing with abuse, control and alcohol, violence in pregnancy and the effects of violence on women's lives are discussed, with their future dreams and aspirations concluding the chapter.
The report from the Maori stream, "Te Whanau Korowai", builds on previous work by Maori researchers and providers of Maori services. The approach taken here is oriented through whakapapa as a theme for research and practice. This is followed by discussion of the poster which directs whanau, hapu and iwi attention to violence in whanau. The chapter concludes with a summary of findings and recommendations for intervention.
"Family Violence: A Pacific Perspective" reports on the Pacific research stream. The context of Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand provides the foreground for the Pacific report, with the particular issues of Pacific peoples as immigrants, leading into clarification of cultural values and meanings of the different Pacific communities. These sections prepare the way for discussion of violence in Pacific families, and material from the interviews. Proposals are made for interventions stopping abuse.
Leaving and separation are discussedas distinct though obviously linked processes. Although separation marks a decision to escape from abuse, it is almost always accompanied by further abuse from a partner and serious difficulties caused by the institutions and systems that formalise separation. Becoming free from abuse is identified as a progressive process.
Women's descriptions of the spiralling in-and-out movement of leaving and separating, including the pressures and reasons to reconcile, the value placed on love, attempts to manage the violence through compliance with the abuser or use of police, and decisions to separate are presented. Abuse causes long term trauma and the chapter ends with evidence both of the grief and new vitality that accompanied leaving and separation. The restoration of self respect and reconnection with communities was vital to recovery.
This chapter analyses material constraints on change. The dread of poverty is a major constraint against women leaving. The focus here is on the economic status of women and the significance of material resources in influencing decisions about staying, leaving and separating.
The practical and emotional issues around money, access to work and economic security are examined. The role of the state in income support policies and practice is analysed and contradictions in policy identified. This chapter highlights the intricate connectedness of material and emotional needs, and of internal and external factors in the lives of these women.
The focus of this chapter is the shared responsibility of stopping abuse. Family and friends, workmates and others in the women's social circle were influential as supporters of respectful relationships, catalysts for change or as reinforcers of ongoing abuse. The way out of abuse was barred by the abuser in concert with some members of the women's social network and hindered by the inconsistent and unco-ordinated actions of service providers. Being believed and being affirmed by people close to them as well as by the wider community, symbolised by public messages against violence and by the positive responses of service providers and police, assisted women to resist and recover.
This chapter discusses police practices, advice from lawyers, responses of the criminal justice system, along with discussion of Refuge and safe house services and the role of doctors and health professionals as part of a system of interlinked networks and services. The need for co-ordinated services and training in protocols for working in eliminating domestic violence are highlighted.
Highlights the implications for policy, practice and social change. There were similarities across cultural groups, and the findings were generally coherent with findings internationally. The focus here is on "what can be done", drawing on the experiences and ideas of the diverse group of women interviewed. Recommendations are presented for action to prevent and redress violence against women.
