Story: Domestic violence

Once were warriors

Once were warriors

This is the cover of an edition of Alan Duff's best-selling novel, Once were warriors. It focused on the effects of domestic violence in a deprived Māori family. The depiction of the cycle of violence and its links to other social problems, such as alcohol abuse, unemployment and poverty, sparked controversy and debate in New Zealand. The book was the basis for an influential film of the same name, made in 1994.

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Domestic violence - Defining violence', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/ephemera/28281/once-were-warriors (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 19 Jul 2018