The research for this report has a central aim of providing information to enable the police to make organisational change that contributes toward an improved perception by Maori of the police. To further enhance the police relationship with Maori the report also provides information to assist Te Puni Kokiri in providing policy advice for this purpose. The research was conducted via focus group methodology with a total of 10 focus groups comprising of 8-10 participants. The difficulties associated with adhering to both Maori and non-Maori research methodologies are discussed. One of the themes that emerged from the focus group discussions was around victims of crime. The experience of being a victim of domestic violence is discussed under this theme. Participants in the domestic violence focus group were Maori women who were currently using refuge services, and women with past experience of domestic violence. On the basis of discussions with these women, the research could not clarify whether Maori women in domestic violence situations perceive the police to be treating them differently to non-Maori women in similar situations. However, it was noted that comments by the participants in this group emphasised the differential treatment of Maori female victims of domestic violence on the basis of police perceptions and attitudes toward them. It was posited police attitudes are influenced by several factors: the recurrence of a woman's call outs, whether or not the police have previous knowledge of the woman, and whether or not the woman has been assaulted by a gang member. The general perception of police held by this group was one of unhelpfulness, and in some cases, they were seen as a danger to the woman's safety. Examples to clarify this were: ignoring basic human rights and dignity; using stand-over tactics, threats, delayed response to call outs; and in order to pursue their own agenda, police would put the woman's safety at further risk. A recommendation was made that the police, in collaboration with Maori women, support workers in the area of domestic violence; and develop alternative, appropriate, and safe responses, specifically for Maori women in long-term relationships, and Maori women in relationships with gang associates.

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