Founded on a te Tiriti-based partnership, Atawhai is generating an influential network of primary care professionals dedicated to preventing family violence. See the founding members here. This distinctively health-sector-led network connects frontline health care professionals and organisations with information and tools to safely journey with whānau and families in their experience of family violence. Atawhai is a relational response and relies on developing relationships across settings, sharing and learning from one another and translating knowledge between different health care disciplines and contexts.
Members of the Atawhai network gain confidence in knowing what to do and how to help, have access to trusted local referral services and can share challenges with like-minded people. Although not a ‘quick fix’, the Atawhai network is a long-term health care response to family violence that continually evolves in response to need.”
TE PONO. We strongly believe that Atawhai can generate tangible change with primary care providers, whānau and families working together
TE TIKA. We create a safe space for discussion that upholds mana, manaaki, safety and compassion for one another.
TE AROHANUI. With this arohanui and an unconditional positive regard for others, we can have the confidence, courage – kia maia kia manawanui – to advocate for change.
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.
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
What matters to whānau: Interested in contributing to change? To find out more contact our team kiaora@atawhaitia.co.nz