Lessons in transformation: "You gotta smile at the little f…ers"

By KIm Workman

Last night, Maori Television screened the first of a two part programme dealing with the issue of family violence and child abuse.  ‘Tamariki Ora -  A New Beginning’ was a defining moment for Maori.  It showed Maori men acknowledging that the abuse they received as children, turned them into abusers of their own children.  But it also showed the extent to which whanau (families) are acknowledging the issues, forging their own solutions, and actively working within their whanau and the community to encourage positive, loving relationships.

I recall in my own marae (*meeting house) , less than 20 years ago, female elders defending a male elder who had sexually abused a visiting school child, as being a practise that was culturally acceptable in traditional times.  We all knew that was nonsense, but no one had the guts to face the issue head on.  Those days are now well and truly gone.

I wept tears at the programme – but they were tears of joy.  From this day on, no one will ever be able to say that Maori are failing to take responsibility for their own behaviour. 

Jun 29, 2010 Region: Pacific, Offender, Community, Transformation, Country:New Zealand, Prison, Correspondent:Kim Workman

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