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National | Abuse

Family Violence Death Review paints grim picture for Māori

Patricia McGrath was only 34-years-old when she died at the hands of her partner, Phillip Mahanga that has left her family devastated.

According to the Women’s Refuge spokesperson Caroline Herewini, battered and bruised women show up on their doorstep every day.

A report by The Family Violence Death Review Committee found there were 63 intimate partner violence deaths between 2009-1012. Māori were nearly 3 times more likely to die of domestic violence than non-Māori.

The report calls for a stronger response to family violence from the police, the justice system and the general public, and though it's come too late to save the life of Patrice McGrath, it’s hoped other lives can be saved in the future.