May 12, 2016
Tauawhi tackles men’s violence
Gisborne’s Tauawhi Men’s Centre hopes a series of hui it's running on the East Coast will show men a way out of family violence.
Facilitator Tim Marshall says the region features far too prominently in violence statistics.
A recent hui at Tamanuhiri Marae drew 45 men, who were moved to tears at times by what they were learning from kaumatua, victims of violence and former perpetrators.
He says one aim is to create a community of caring men who are willing to say violence is not an answer.
"If you can create that space where men feel safe, they don't feel alone, they feel there's hope, and people like Vic Tamati and others who are champions for the campaign are testimony to the fact that actually you can be that guy who was a perpetrator of violence and abuse to your family but you can make that change and become a safe man," Mr Marshall says.
The hui seems to have inspired a desire the surrounding community to find some locally-led solutions to violence.
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