Seventh report: A duty to care | Pūrongo tuawhitu: Me manaaki te tangata

In this, the Seventh report of the Family Violence Death Review Committee, we draw attention to the concept of a duty to care. It is related to but distinct from a common concept in a western framework: a ‘duty of care’, which is a legal obligation to ensure the safety or wellbeing of others.

This report explores factors that have pushed Aotearoa New Zealand away from caring for people who experience family violence, reinforcing messages that no one is there to help them.

The Seventh report draws on findings and recommendations from in-depth reviews conducted between 2019 and 2021, and previous reports, to highlight where there has been a lack of progress from government agencies, including health, to work towards responsiveness for those experiencing violence.

Below you can download the full report, the executive summary and a companion document, ‘Family violence deaths | Ngā mate tūkino ā-whānau’. You can also view four videos, which capture reflections on the Seventh report from a range of communities and the Committee. All videos include captions and transcripts.

Video: Reflections from the disability community

Featuring:

• Rachel Noble MNZM – general manager disability strategy planning and performance, Capital & Coast District Health Board
• Dr Huhana Hickey MNZM – Ngāti Tāhinga, Whakatōhea, disability rights lawyer

Download the transcript here. 

Video: Reflections from the migrant community

Featuring Silvana Erenchun Perez, strategic manager, Shama

Download the transcript here. 

Video: Thoughts of tangata whenua

Featuring: 

• Leslynne Jackson, lead, Manaaki Tairāwhiti
• Denis Grennell, kaumātua, Ngā Pou Arawhenua

Download the transcript here. 

Video: Reflections from the Committee

Featuring:

• Stormie Waapu
• Nicola Atwool
• Mark Henaghan
• Michael Roguski
• Di Cooze
• Shayne Walker
• Jackie Short
• Fiona Cram

Download the transcript here. 

Thank you to all our speakers and our interviewer, Pauline Gulliver, senior specialist advisor.