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To make it easier to respond to whānau and families living with family violence, Atawhai generates trusted meaningful relationships across care settings. Through shared learning and critical reflection, providers strengthen their confidence and capability in how to offer support.
Launched by local Bay of Plenty primary care providers, the Atawhai Network was born from a critical need identified in the original research project funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand (2020-2023). Read a summary of the research findings or read published papers.
We strongly believe that Atawhai can generate tangible change
with primary care providers, whānau and families working together.
We create a safe space for discussion that upholds mana, manaaki, safety and compassion for one another.
With this arohanui and an unconditional positive regard for others, we can have the confidence, and courage – kia maia kia manawanui – to advocate for change.
Atawhai looks to reframe the current way of responding to family violence in primary care. Kōrero about family violence can be many shared moments in time, or wā, within a relationship, underpinned by tika (to be right), pono (truth), and aroha (empathy). Atawhai is realising we do not have to ‘fix the problem’ but be someone whānau can trust to walk alongside supporting opportunities for change. Care is taken so any kōrero is responsive to, and safe for, whānau.
The impacts of family violence seriously affect the health and wellbeing of past, current, and future generations. Family violence is complex, there is no simple solution. Sometimes it can be hard to know what to do or how to help.
Atawhai connects primary care providers to local knowledge and resources to prevent violence within the community.
The Atawhai Kōrero creates space in a moment in time to be present, to pause and to breathe. We engage with care-seekers authentically and openly, with compassion and respect. Atawhai generates confidence in knowing how to help and trust in local services and people. We share and learn from our experiences to be helpful for those seeking care.
Atawhai is a korowai of care that supports the journey of providers, whānau and families. We are part of a team that values and looks after one another in this work. Atawhai is a kete of local information, people and tools that enable us to journey safely with whānau and family. Atawhai is a call to action to support primary care providers in responding to family violence through policy and practice.
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.
My success is not mine alone, it is the success of the collective.
The GEM card deck collates ‘practice gems’ for engaging with whānau and families impacted by family violence within primary care settings.
Ngā mihi nui te whānau Atawhai for sharing these gems during the research project.
Te Reo Māori translation by Ngareta Timutimu, (Ngai te Rangi, Ngati Ranginui, MNZM) and Melissa Bryant (Ngāti Pakeha)
Funded by: Health Research Council of New Zealand.
Read about the New Zealand health system response to family violence over the last two decades
Learn how to provide women-centred clinical care though the World Health Organisation LIVES approach (Listen, Inquire, Validate, Enhance safety and Support)
Discover primary care family violence training opportunities with MEDSAC