title: "What will people think?" Indian Women and Domestic Violence in Aotearoa/ New Zealand

authors: Somasekhar, Sripriya

subjects: domestic violence

abstract: Migration is a complex process undertaken for a wide range of reasons. To leave the country of ones birth to settle in another is likely to involve disruption to existing family and community relationships, reassessing ones culture of origin, reassessing ones identity and “fitting in” with a host culture. For many migrants, relative poverty, isolation, racism and prejudice are additional challenges and often, obtaining permanent resident status is far from straight forward. For these sorts of reasons, immigrant women who experience domestic violence face particular challenges over and above those faced by women from the dominant host culture.

Although there is a field of international literature which identifies immigrant-specific factors that trigger or maintain domestic violence, there is little such research in New Zealand and none which specifically focuses on Indian women immigrants.

This research is positioned within a view of domestic violence in India being a socio-cultural issue cutting across all castes, social classes and religions. The research increases awareness of cultural perspectives that foster violence and abuse, and investigates how the process of migration affects Indian women’s attempts to navigate their safety in the context of New Zealand. In particular, it reveals the barriers that Indian immigrant woman experiencing domestic violence face in seeking help, paying particular attention to the socio- cultural aspects of the Indian Diaspora in New Zealand.

There were two phases to the data collection- semi- structured face-to-face interviews with key informants in India and New Zealand and case studies of Indian migrant women who experience domestic violence. 

The key findings suggest that patriarchal attitudes and a sense of male entitlement are pivotal in perpetuating and tolerating domestic violence. In-laws are heavily implicated in the abuse (emotional, physical and financial) of women. This includes continued dowry demands after the wedding. Women reported isolation as an integral aspect of power and control exercised by their spouse in a host country. This and the shame they might bring upon their family and community were key reasons for not seeking help. Uncertain immigration status of women hindered reporting domestic violence. 

Although some community members were helpful, too often the Indian migrant community colluded with the abuser and/or were tolerant of domestic violence. Indian migrant women were sometimes outmanoeuvred by their partners in the family court by using ‘orders preventing removal’ of children. Even after women left the abusive relationship, they were emotionally abused by the partner using their children. 

Culturally safe practices are paramount to ensure women are not further victimized when they approach services.

text: "What will people think?" Indian Women and Domestic Violence in Aotearoa/ New Zealand Migration is a complex process undertaken for a wide range of reasons. To leave the country of ones birth to settle in another is likely to involve disruption to existing family and community relationships, reassessing ones culture of origin, reassessing ones identity and “fitting in” with a host culture. For many migrants, relative poverty, isolation, racism and prejudice are additional challenges and often, obtaining permanent resident status is far from straight forward. For these sorts of reasons, immigrant women who experience domestic violence face particular challenges over and above those faced by women from the dominant host culture.

Although there is a field of international literature which identifies immigrant-specific factors that trigger or maintain domestic violence, there is little such research in New Zealand and none which specifically focuses on Indian women immigrants.

This research is positioned within a view of domestic violence in India being a socio-cultural issue cutting across all castes, social classes and religions. The research increases awareness of cultural perspectives that foster violence and abuse, and investigates how the process of migration affects Indian women’s attempts to navigate their safety in the context of New Zealand. In particular, it reveals the barriers that Indian immigrant woman experiencing domestic violence face in seeking help, paying particular attention to the socio- cultural aspects of the Indian Diaspora in New Zealand.

There were two phases to the data collection- semi- structured face-to-face interviews with key informants in India and New Zealand and case studies of Indian migrant women who experience domestic violence. 

The key findings suggest that patriarchal attitudes and a sense of male entitlement are pivotal in perpetuating and tolerating domestic violence. In-laws are heavily implicated in the abuse (emotional, physical and financial) of women. This includes continued dowry demands after the wedding. Women reported isolation as an integral aspect of power and control exercised by their spouse in a host country. This and the shame they might bring upon their family and community were key reasons for not seeking help. Uncertain immigration status of women hindered reporting domestic violence. 

Although some community members were helpful, too often the Indian migrant community colluded with the abuser and/or were tolerant of domestic violence. Indian migrant women were sometimes outmanoeuvred by their partners in the family court by using ‘orders preventing removal’ of children. Even after women left the abusive relationship, they were emotionally abused by the partner using their children. 

Culturally safe practices are paramount to ensure women are not further victimized when they approach services.

year: 2016

title: Comparison of dynamic properties of magnetorheological elastomers with existing antivibration rubbers

authors: Shuib, Raa Khimi

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: Tan δ and energy dissipated during hysteresis testing of isotropic and anisotropic MREs containing silane modified iron sand particles in a natural rubber matrix were compared with existing antivibration rubbers. Tan δ was measured using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) over a range of frequency (0.01–130 Hz), strain amplitude (0.1–4.5%), and temperature (−100–50 °C). Energy dissipated was measured using a universal tester under cyclic tensile loading. The chosen antivibration rubbers for comparison contained different contents of carbon black filler (30, 50 and 70 phr) in a natural rubber matrix. It was found that energy absorption for comparative samples was generally higher than isotropic and anisotropic MREs over the range of frequency and strain amplitude explored, as well as in hysteresis testing and this was believed to be largely due the presence of carbon black in the formulation. Further assessment was carried out on materials that were the same as anisotropic MREs except they had additions of carbon black. The energy absorption was found higher than comparative samples with the same carbon black contents, supporting the use of iron sand to improve damping. However, trends for energy absorption at around Tg were found to reverse which is considered to be due to the segmental motion of rubber chains being by far the most significant influence on energy absorption in the glass transition zone.

text: Comparison of dynamic properties of magnetorheological elastomers with existing antivibration rubbers Tan δ and energy dissipated during hysteresis testing of isotropic and anisotropic MREs containing silane modified iron sand particles in a natural rubber matrix were compared with existing antivibration rubbers. Tan δ was measured using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) over a range of frequency (0.01–130 Hz), strain amplitude (0.1–4.5%), and temperature (−100–50 °C). Energy dissipated was measured using a universal tester under cyclic tensile loading. The chosen antivibration rubbers for comparison contained different contents of carbon black filler (30, 50 and 70 phr) in a natural rubber matrix. It was found that energy absorption for comparative samples was generally higher than isotropic and anisotropic MREs over the range of frequency and strain amplitude explored, as well as in hysteresis testing and this was believed to be largely due the presence of carbon black in the formulation. Further assessment was carried out on materials that were the same as anisotropic MREs except they had additions of carbon black. The energy absorption was found higher than comparative samples with the same carbon black contents, supporting the use of iron sand to improve damping. However, trends for energy absorption at around Tg were found to reverse which is considered to be due to the segmental motion of rubber chains being by far the most significant influence on energy absorption in the glass transition zone.

year: 2015-12-15

title: Raising Māori Student Achievement - Journeys of Success

authors: Kaumoana, Cadence

abstract: Educational success for Māori students is influenced by confidence in one’s identity, positive role models and support; and positive attitudes to learning and success.
This project asked Māori tertiary graduates about their educational experiences. Half of the participants in this study had successfully completed secondary school and the other half did not complete secondary school education. This selection of participants was selected to highlight that although some students don’t complete secondary school it is still possible to successfully pursue and complete tertiary level qualifications. The feedback given from the participants highlighted the positive factors that influenced their successful completion. From these factors recommendations have been developed to support Māori student success. The objective of this study is to encourage the development of increased self-confidence for Māori rangatahi and to promote the continuation of lifelong learning.
When Māori students are supported both at school and in the home they are more likely to achieve educational success, particularly at secondary school level. Similarly, at tertiary level study; students who graduate with a completed degree qualification are likely to have had positive support and successful role models, they are likely to be secure within their own identity and wh!nau network. Māori students that successfully complete tertiary study are more likely to have positive attitudes to learning and to achieving; knowing how to access support and feeling confident in their efforts.
The key to this study is the link between successful completion of secondary school and the follow-on to successful tertiary study. When Māori students are supported appropriately in the development of their identity their confidence soon follows. This support would ideally come from wh!nau in the home and the school. When Māori students are confident in their learning journeys through high levels of confidence in identity they are more likely to persevere under pressure and despite setbacks.
Influencing factors to developing self-confidence for Māori students include awareness of Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori, responsibility at home, responsibility at school and the positive influence of role models. The study then concludes by providing recommendations for learners, educators and wh!nau to support the educational achievement of their tamariki.

text: Raising Māori Student Achievement - Journeys of Success Educational success for Māori students is influenced by confidence in one’s identity, positive role models and support; and positive attitudes to learning and success.
This project asked Māori tertiary graduates about their educational experiences. Half of the participants in this study had successfully completed secondary school and the other half did not complete secondary school education. This selection of participants was selected to highlight that although some students don’t complete secondary school it is still possible to successfully pursue and complete tertiary level qualifications. The feedback given from the participants highlighted the positive factors that influenced their successful completion. From these factors recommendations have been developed to support Māori student success. The objective of this study is to encourage the development of increased self-confidence for Māori rangatahi and to promote the continuation of lifelong learning.
When Māori students are supported both at school and in the home they are more likely to achieve educational success, particularly at secondary school level. Similarly, at tertiary level study; students who graduate with a completed degree qualification are likely to have had positive support and successful role models, they are likely to be secure within their own identity and wh!nau network. Māori students that successfully complete tertiary study are more likely to have positive attitudes to learning and to achieving; knowing how to access support and feeling confident in their efforts.
The key to this study is the link between successful completion of secondary school and the follow-on to successful tertiary study. When Māori students are supported appropriately in the development of their identity their confidence soon follows. This support would ideally come from wh!nau in the home and the school. When Māori students are confident in their learning journeys through high levels of confidence in identity they are more likely to persevere under pressure and despite setbacks.
Influencing factors to developing self-confidence for Māori students include awareness of Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori, responsibility at home, responsibility at school and the positive influence of role models. The study then concludes by providing recommendations for learners, educators and wh!nau to support the educational achievement of their tamariki.

year: 2013