Community mobilisation: A crucial frontline in violence prevention

Community mobilisation is a powerful force that can help drive positive change and embodies the principle of collective responsibility plus action.

By empowering communities to take ownership of pressing issues, such as sexual violence prevention, we unlock the transformative potential of collective action, where every individual then becomes an integral part of the solution.

The next phase of work for Atu-Mai – Le Va’s violence prevention programme – will utilise community mobilisation to stand together with community champions against sexual violence.

Community mobilisation efforts must be inclusive and culturally aware and, while Atu-Mai’s work will still focus on Pasifika people, there is also a new focus on tāngata Tiriti in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

“We will be working closely alongside people and organisations active in this sector and looking to bring on board community champions and leaders who can influence change,” says Le Va’s senior manager – violence prevention, Paul Tupou-Vea.

The aim is to find sustainable solutions to violence that require active participation and collaboration with those most affected.

Together, we can address the root causes of violence by promoting education, awareness and dialogue and providing access to appropriate resources that communities can refer to and share.

The Atu-Mai team plans to hold a community mobilisation fono in June. The team looks forward to fostering closer partnerships with government agencies, non-government agencies and other stakeholders, as well as helping communities to leverage collective expertise and resources to drive meaningful change.

Despite ongoing challenges such as limited resources, entrenched social inequalities and resistance to change, we also know that it is often in the face of adversity that the resilience and determination of communities shine the brightest.