- Hon Louise Upston
- Hon Karen Chhour
Three Government programmes are making a difference in preventing family violence, new independent evaluations show.
Evaluations of E Tū Whānau, Pasefika Proud and the Ethnic Communities Violence Prevention programme found positive shifts in attitudes, behaviours and social norms associated with family violence.
The programmes are funded by the Ministry of Social Development.
“Family violence and sexual violence cause enormous harm, but these evaluations show we can make a difference,” Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says.
“These are three different programmes working with different communities, but the evidence points in the same direction – prevention works best when communities are supported to lead solutions that reflect their own strengths, values and experiences.
“The evaluations reinforce the value of approaches that are community-led, locally informed, and which build on the strengths of individuals, families and communities.
“This gives us a stronger evidence base for making decisions about how we prevent violence before it occurs and where government can make the greatest difference.”
Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence Karen Chhour says the findings support the Government’s direction under Te Aorerekura – the National Strategy to Eliminate Family Violence and Sexual Violence.
“Responding effectively when violence occurs is essential, but we also need to break the cycle and prevent that harm from happening in the first place,” Ms Chhour says.
“One clear lesson is that government does not always have the answers. Communities understand their people, their strengths and the challenges they face.
“This evidence supports the direction we are taking under Te Aorerekura – putting greater emphasis on prevention and strengthening community capability and leadership alongside effective responses when violence occurs.
“Breaking the cycle of family violence and sexual violence will take sustained effort. By backing effective approaches and empowering communities to lead change, we can help create safer families, whānau and communities for generations to come.”
Notes to editor:
- More information about the independent evaluations can be found here on the MSD website.
- The findings will help inform future policy, programme design and prevention activity under Te Aorerekura – the National Strategy to Eliminate Family Violence and Sexual Violence.
