February 14, 2014
Refuge tackles man problem
A Hamilton women’s refuge is using its safe house model as a way to reintegrate Maori men from the prison back into the community
Ruahine Roni Albert, the service manager at Te Whakaruruhau Maaori Womens Refuge, says for several years the refuge has been working with men at Te Ao Marama Maori Focus Unit in Waikeria Prison.
It has now set up a house for those making the transition out.
She says many have come from violent pasts.
"Their history has been more of the criminal element because they have come from the prison, and it’s an opportunity for us to work alongside these men, it helps them that they don’t go back through the system again, get caught in the dynamics and the difficulties you have when you struggle coming out into the community. The same difficulties for our women are the same for our men, " Roni Albert says.
The refuge would like to have a larger property so it can handle men who may have protection orders against them, and it also needs more men to work with men.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH RUAHINE RONI ALBERT CLICK ON THE LINK
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