Tū Tahanga: A Qualitative Descriptive Study of a Culturally Adapted Violence Prevention Programme in a Forensic Mental Health Service

Abstract

There is growing evidence that culturally adapted, evidence-based, violence prevention programmes can have benefits for people in correctional and forensic mental health services. Adding to this evidence is crucial, given the over-representation of Indigenous people and ethnic minorities in such services. This qualitative descriptive study describes Tū Tahanga, which combines the ManAlive violence prevention programme, with Māori (Indigenous people of Aotearoa/New Zealand) cultural concepts. This was developed for Māori service users in a forensic mental health service. Content analysis was undertaken through interviews with participants in the group (N = 11). Core aspects of ManAlive were maintained. These aspects coexist with cultural concepts of a specific healing space, a holistic Māori model of health, and the creation of family like supportive relationships reinforced by living in the same facility. This description lays a platform for future evaluative research to determine the impact of the programme on reducing violent offending.