Abstract
At present in Aotearoa, New Zealand, limited research exists regarding pathways to early intervention and therapeutic engagement for Māori (the indigenous population of Aotearoa) who may be living with sexual attractions to children. Furthermore, Māori indigenous research methodologies have not been used to date to explore how we may imagine adequate service delivery for this population when considering the diverse cultural needs and worldview Māori hold.
The current doctoral research sought to utilise Kaupapa Māori Research (an indigenous research methodology) to gather Mātauranga Māori (indigenous knowledges) to inform future engagement and service provision for Māori who experience sexual attraction to children. 10 interviews were carried out with Māori who work in a sexual violence prevention-related role, as well as 6 interviews with kaumātua (elders) who are revered in knowledge of cultural customs and lived experience. As Māori communities are experts in their own intervention needs, Community Based Participatory Research methodologies were also utilised to allow for participants and relevant stakeholders to be viewed as equal to the researcher in the decision making regarding all phases of the research.
This distinct and collaborative research methodology ensured findings could foster transformative outcomes in Māori communities, as well as informing mainstream services working alongside Māori experiencing sexual attraction to children. Findings included avenues to ensure culturally responsive therapeutic intervention, as well as strengths-based, primary prevention strategies that better equip whānau (families) and communities to respond meaningfully and safely to those in their circles living with sexual attractions to children.