A Māori perspective

Information for Taitamariki and Tamariki: If sexual violenceSexual Violence
Is a general term that covers any sexual stuff a person does not consent to. has happened to you or a hoa you need support. Sexual violenceSexual Violence
Is a general term that covers any sexual stuff a person does not consent to. is hard stuff to deal with - it’s really important that you have whanau who can be there and help you in your journey of hauora. These whānau can be Matua, Tuakana, Koroua, or others - whoever it is, they have to be someone you trust.

Talking to whānau or friends you trust is a step in the right direction in your journey of healing. Whanaungatanga is important - make the connection and seek help until you get it.

Information for Whānau: As the whānau of a young person who has been through sexual violenceSexual Violence
Is a general term that covers any sexual stuff a person does not consent to., it is important to hold their trust and keep them safe.

Your role as kaitiaki holds a value both to this person and to the wider whānau.

Supporting a young person to be safe and heal from sexual violenceSexual Violence
Is a general term that covers any sexual stuff a person does not consent to. will lift a large taumaha from their shoulders while restoring their sense of hauora.

Encourage our taitamariki and tamariki to talk. Sexual violenceSexual Violence
Is a general term that covers any sexual stuff a person does not consent to. is difficult to talk about, but it is important to protect, support, and listen to our taitamariki and tamariki when they come to us for help.

“I a mâtau e tamariki ana i whakahauhautia mâtau kia kôrero”

“In our infancy we were encouraged to talk”

Definitions

Whānau: Family and friends

Taumaha: Burden or weight

Tuakana: Older siblings

Whanaungatanga: Sense of family connection - a relationship of shared experiences and working together which gives people a sense of belonging and well-being

Tamariki: Treasure of our guardians

Kaitiaki: One who keeps people safe

Hauora: To be well, healthy, in good spirits