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Massey staff join Glenn Inquiry

Friday 1 February 2013, 3:50PM

By Massey University

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Two Massey academics have a joined a think tank set up by philanthropist Sir Owen Glenn to address child abuse and domestic violence.

They are School of Psychology head Associate Professor Mandy Morgan and Dr Te Kani Kingi, director of Te Mata o Te Tau, the Academy for Maori Research and Scholarship.

Sir Owen is funding the independent inquiry after he became alarmed at New Zealand’s child abuse and domestic violence statistics.

He set up the think tank of 23 leading New Zealanders – including academics, doctors, social workers and community workers – and 11 international experts to help develop an evidence-based, solution-focused blueprint for addressing children abuse and domestic violence.

Dr Kingi welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the development of a plan, unimpeded by political or partisan influence and based on evidence and experiences of people impacted by these issues.

“It is a peoples inquiry and has the potential to offer real and sustainable solutions. These issues are significant for our country and any solution, however difficult, has the potential to reap major rewards now and for our future generations.”

Dr Morgan says the inquiry will allow those working in the sector or affected by violence in their homes to speak out and be heard. “Unlike inquiries funded by Government, there is the potential for this inquiry to be open and honest and to involve those closest to the issues by focusing on an educative approach.

“At best, an outcome focused on education will produce a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the community intervention strategies that do and don’t work to stop violence at home.”