12. The Government’s Family Violence Death Review Committee highlighted the need for Kaupapa Māori responses (responses based on Māori principles or ideas); reclaiming mātauranga Māori (Māori wisdom) and bodies of knowledge, strengthening cultural identity, and restoring connections. These approaches must be adopted to effectively address the large number of Māori victims and offenders. Recommendation 1 a. Agree on a cross party family violence strategic accord that will be adhered to by all political parties and implemented by successive governments. b. Issue a long-term, coherent policy statement and strategy for reducing family violence, including milestones that will be achieved, so that progress can be transparently evaluated. c. Report back within 12 months on progress made to address violence and abuse against women and girls with data disaggregated by race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and age. d. Ensure that women with disabilities, Māori, and ethnic minorities are consulted in the formation of any domestic violence work programme. e. Ensure domestic violence services align with kaupapa Māori and that Māori are included in developing the family violence prevention service design. Violence against women with disabilities 13. Evidence shows disabled women are up to three times more likely to be victims of physical and sexual abuse, and have less access to physical, psychological, and judicial interventions.11 These risks are compounded by a lack of accessibility and visibility of the barriers people with disabilities face. Disabled women are often not consulted regarding decisions that affect them and are not included in the development of solutions. 14. Disabled women living in residential care and supported environments often have relationships of a close, dependent, nature with their caregiver and support workers. These relationships are of a personal nature and can involve a person exercising significant physical control over another individual. New Zealand’s current domestic violence legislation defines domestic relationships in a way that excludes these types of carer relationships. “Employer-employee” relationships are specifically excluded from the definition of "close personal relationship" in the Domestic Violence Act 1989. 11 World Health Organization (2009), Promoting Sexual and Reproductive Health for Persons with Disabilities WHO/UNFPA Guidance Note, https://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/srh_for_disabilities.pdf 5