Nurturing our Pacific Values

The group's general manager, Dr Elizabeth Mati, announced the launch at the TOAHNNEST National Sexual Violence conference in mid-November. 

"Nurturing our Pacific Values" is available on the group's website (www.leva.co.nz) and consists of factsheets aimed at raising awareness and giving community support around the topic. 

Describing nurturing as "a sacred duty" as children are at the heart of Pasifika families and society, the key messages the organisation hopes to get across are; 

• The Va (relationship) between parents/caregivers and their children is sacred 

• Applying Pasifika values in parenting which nurtures children's growth and wellbeing 

• Recognising when Pasifika values may be misused 

• How sexual abuse harms children's development 

While reminding people of the history of Pasifika traditions and values towards children, the factsheets also look to the future and supply a number of valuable tips relating to subjects such as family, love, respect, and spirituality. 

For instance, the factsheets point out that for many Pasifika people, spirituality is faith-based, and nurturing children's spiritual connection can support them to navigate life's challenges with resilience and peace. 

But, on the other side of the coin, it warns that spirituality can be misused when individuals use it to justify or excuse harmful behaviour, particularly in situations where the abuser may force children to "suffer in silence" about any harmful acts in case they upset higher powers. 

They highlight how it is possible to be aware of people who target children and how they can recognise the signs, and also where they can report abuse if they feel unsure about something they fear may be happening.

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT Nurturing our children with Pasifika values

REACH OUT FOR HELP     

Pasefika Proud and many others in our community take family violence and sexual violence very seriously. All forms of violence are crime.    

You have the right to be safe. If you are a victim of violence or abuse, or there is someone that makes you fearful, threatens or harasses you, seek help as soon as possible.     

If you’re feeling angry or worried you might hurt someone, call, or message one of the helplines below. Help is available.     

You are not alone. Talk to someone you trust. The national helplines listed below have people ready to listen and help, whether you’re experiencing violence or abuse, worried you might hurt someone, or are concerned about others.     

If you’re in danger, call the Police on 111.    

If you can’t call for help, get out of the house and ask a neighbour or someone else to call 111.    

If you are concerned that you or someone else will be harmed, phone the Police on 111. When it’s not safe to talk, press 55 if you require emergency assistance.     

Call the helplines to find out how to help someone else if they are telling you they are being harmed or if you’re concerned. We have a collective responsibility to look out for and help victims, their families and whānau, and to ensure people stop using violence. 

Pasefika Proud
All of Family violence prevention led and delivered and led by Pacific peoples. Pasefika Proud is a social change movement – ‘by Pacific for Pacific’ – to boost wellbeing for Pacific families and transform attitudes, behaviours and norms that enable violence. CLICK Auckland Family Violence Service Providers
CLICK Outside of Auckland Family Service Providers

Safe to talk  
Support for those impacted by sexual harm.
Call: 0800 044 334 | Text: 4334  
Email: support@safetotalk.nz
Live webchat: www.safetotalk.nz 
 

Youthline  
Youth helpline service & face-to-face counselling.  
Call: 0800 376 633  
Text: 234  
Email: talk@youthline.co.nz 

 
1737  
Support from trained counsellors  
Call or text: 1737 
 
 
0800 HeyBro  
For men who feel they’re going to harm a loved one  
Call: 0800 439 276