Government Launches $ 6 Million Violence Prevention Program for Pacific Islanders

A violence prevention program specifically designed for Pacific Islanders in New Zealand was launched by the government today.

The new service, called Atu-May, will be run by the non-profit organization The Va $ 6 Million Over Five Years

ACC figures have shown that young people from the Pacific were three times more likely to be exposed to family violence than the general population. They accounted for a disproportionate number of ACC assault claims and their aggression wounds tended to be worse.

At the same time, three-quarters of violent or sexual incidents in Pacific families were not officially reported.

Lees-Galloway stated that low reporting rates – which were often the result of cultural barriers – limited the government's understanding of the problem and masked the magnitude of the problem.

To inform the new service, Le Va has conducted two years of research The Executive Director, Monique Faleafa, said the organization had discovered that violence could shake the lives of individuals and families for generations [19659007]. exposed to violence, they run an increased risk of behavioral, physical, emotional and mental health problems, including being at higher risk of suicide, "she said. 2] Dr. Faleafa said the Atu-Mai program would help young Pacificis to be confident and resilient and develop healthy family and social relationships.

"Atu-Mai Will Focus On Improving Factors That Protect Violence And Reduce Probability"

Minister Of Pacific Peoples, Su & William Sio, Says Service would have an extremely positive impact on Pacific communities.

"For too long, we have thought it is acceptable to harm the most vulnerable members of our family, which is unacceptable and has no place in the world. in our culture.

"This practice is false and does not correspond to the heart of our culture, which is alofa [love] and is to be kind and patient, which must be reflected in the words we use for our aiga [family]. "