Couples-based approach to prevention of domestic violence: An innovative initiative in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

This paper presents an innovative model for the prevention of domestic violence<br/ >and abuse. A first-of-its-kind, couples-based, whānau-centric (family-centred) family<br/ >harm reduction programme titled Te Manu Tu Tuia (The Bird that Brings the<br/ >Message) was implemented in the Hawke’s Bay region of Aotearoa New Zealand.<br/ >The programme targeted 37 couples with a combined history of 1,092 family harm<br/ >reports. A mixed methods evaluation study conducted in 2017 collected quantitative<br/ >secondary data from the local police and qualitative primary data from semistructured, face-to-face interviews with couples, staff, and local stakeholders and<br/ >from observation of couples-based weekend sessions. Data analysis was done using<br/ >a thematic analysis. Findings revealed a significant reduction in reoffending and<br/ >subsequent police callouts, with an overall reduction of 57 per cent callouts, a 46 per<br/ >cent increase in participants entering employment, and 8 per cent entering further<br/ >education. Based on these findings, this paper aims to begin a discussion on the<br/ >need for collaborative relationships involving couples, the police, community based<br/ >organisations and families for addressing domestic violence. The paper highlights<br/ >the significance of this approach for understanding and addressing the dynamics of<br/ >violence and coercive control and existing barriers for effective engagement.