Research paper in partial fulfilment for MSW (Applied) at Massey University

This research paper explores the Tairawhiti Abuse Intervention Network (TAIN), a collaborative body of health and social service agencies in Gisborne that provides an inter-agency response to family violence. The research sought to explore the values that have informed the changes made within TAIN since its inception in 1994, and the current tensions between the requirements of the Privacy Act (1993) and the realities of inter-agency information sharing. In-depth interviews were conducted with 4 current and 1 past member of TAIN. Additionally, an examination was undertaken of TAIN documents, including statements of purpose, minutes of recent meetings, newsletters, policy statements and strategic plans of key agencies relating to family violence prevention. An attempt was made to analyse the growth and direction of the network through both an examination of these documents as well as the interviews. Evaluations of the Hamilton Abuse Intervention Programme (HAIP) project in Hamilton were also examined. The key findings from the HAIP evaluations which were in part echoed in the views of the research participants form the first part of the discussion section, are compared and contrasted with additional inter-agency violence prevention literature. Following this there is discussion of the elements of TAIN's operation. Limitations of the study are discussed.

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