As facilitators of Family / Whānau Violence Programmes, we know too well that limited session time, motivation and learning transfer can provide a substantial challenge during interventions.
Using this as a starting point, we wanted to create a valuable resource for Programme Staff that helps bridge the gap between home and intervention sessions. Thus, the concept of Ake was created. Using Ake, facilitators can provide opportunities for engagement with programme material, resources, and support outside of group sessions, ensuring that participants remain focused on developing the skills and tools necessary to break away from abusive behaviours.
Ake and DFV intervention providers work together seamlessly to empower participants as they embark on their journey to overcome the cycle of abuse and achieve their true potential in their intimate relationships.
Ake has been the result of 40 years in family / whānau violence intervention and programme development by industry expert Ken McMaster and his team at HMA (Hall McMaster & Associates), alongside development assistance provided by kaupapa Māori organisation He Waka Tapu Trust and experienced web development experts 16 Hands.
Ken McMaster and HMA have been working to disrupt family violence since the early 1980s and have been involved in a number of major projects, such as:
Initiated Stopping Violence Services Christchurch - a community-based agency
Assisted the establishment of Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga/National Network of Stopping Violence Services
Member of the Programme Regulation working party for the MOJ Domestic Violence Act 1995
Chair (1993 – 1998) of the Family Violence Advisory Committee, which provided independent policy advice to the Minister of Social Service and Employment on family violence issues
Developed Family violence programmes for Western Australia Department of Corrections and Relationships Australia Queensland
Delivered workshops for the eight Family Violence Courts across New Zealand
Design ChangeAbout (65 hour) family violence intervention for Victoria Corrections
Training of community providers for the 26-session Family Violence Programme for New Zealand Corrections
Our experience, knowledge and passion from working in this field have been applied to making Ake a reality. We hope that Ake can better the lives of those beginning their healing journey, their families and whānau, and the programme staff working tirelessly to disrupt domestic and family violence.
Visit the HMA page here: hma.co.nz
Visit He Waka Tapu page here: hewakatapu.org.nz
Visit 16 Hands page here: 16hands.co.nz