Māori women and intimate partner violence: some sociocultural influences

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has recently been acknowledged as a worldwide phenomenon, with approximately one in four intimate relationships containing some form of intimate partner violence. This study explores the interaction between relationship dynamics, IPV and whānau and community influences. We completed two narrative interviews with two Māori women in December 2010. Our findings confirm the results of earlier studies, that is: a) that childhood experiences of violence, actual or witnessed, have a powerful effect that reverberate within adult lives and into the formation of intimate relationships; b) that Māori whānau and women are textured by the same patriarchal expectations that privilege men in the Pākehā world; and c) seeking help from whānau to escape a violent relationship may not be the most welcomed course of action. We conclude with a discussion of future research directions.