Whai ki te Ara Tika – Imagining the Solution

September 12, 2012 |
David Lee

TOAH-NNEST LogoPrimary prevention of sexual violence is a global concern and there are people all over the world taking action. I just read Imagining the Solution, the primary prevention newsletter from the Tauiwi Caucus of New Zealand’s Te Ohaakii a Hine – National Network Ending Sexual Violence Together (TOAH-NNEST), a nation-wide network of community organizations, whanau, hapu, iwi and individuals who are specialists in providing sexual violence prevention and intervention services.
[Disclosure and self promotion alert: I am on an advisory board to the Tauiwi Caucus of TOAH-NNEST. And I think I helped inspire the name of the newsletter and coming conference. Sandra Dickson, the National Sexual Violence Primary Prevention Co-ordinator – Tauiwi Caucus quotes me saying ““We often spend a lot of time describing the problem. We have to spend more time imagining the solution.” in her email signature.] TOAH-NNEST will be holding the first national sexual violence primary prevention hui in Aotearoa New Zealand on October 28, 2012. While I am not able to attend, I look forward to learning more about this event with a focus on

… the primary prevention of sexual violence, or stopping sexual violence before it takes place. This hui will showcase activities, programmes and strategies which promote mana enhancing, respectful and healthy relationships, whanau and communities, violence from a kaupapa Maori perspective, and within Tauiwi communities.

It is great to see primary prevention advocates gathering all other the world. Check out the September 2012, July 2012 and April 2012 issues of the newsletter.