A Māori woman who has survived abuse and rape at the hands of her ex-partners says putting the blame on women for not leaving violent relationships is unhelpful.
Research shows up to eighty percent of Māori women will experience family violence in their lifetime.
In the past month, two high profile cases of intimate partner death have made headlines in New Zealand - driving some to criticise women for staying in bad relationships.
Advocate against family harm Patricia Walsh spent decades in violent relationships - she spoke to RNZ Māori news correspondent Leigh-Marama McLachlan about how hard it is to leave.
