Māori self-determination, creating contexts of safety and preventing sexual violence

Sexual violence is a fundamental violation of mana and tapu, searing through whānau relationships, often with intergenerational effects. Speaking with urgency to halt sexual violence, three Māori PhD candidates explore themes of whānau protection and safety across kaupapa Māori studies relevant to rangatahi, survivors, and people who may experience sexual attraction to children. Here, we discuss the tensions between preserving safety, managing accountability, and nurturing whānau and community relationships (o whakapapa me o kaupapa), where preventing sexual violence is an active concern. We also propose tikanga, manaakitanga, kōrero pono, utu and tiakitanga as te kete o hohou rongo that can promote healing, safety, and resilience in our most valued relationships.