This project was created as a result of community need for cultural spaces for survivors. Native Hawaiians are overrepresented in the child welfare system and in domestic/sexual/family violence. This project supports a pu‘uhonua (safe space) dedicated to healing and strengthening families and individuals who have experienced domestic/sexual/family violence through culturally relevant, trauma-informed, and evidence-informed practices.

This contemporary pu‘uhonua is based on cultural concepts including mauli ola (health), huikala (forgiveness), pono (balance), and aloha (love, compassion). Participants work with a Poʻo Kumu (head teacher or guide) who is trained in Hawaiian cultural practices, has genealogical connections to those practices and can connect to participants as a survivor of domestic and family violence. More broadly, the pu‘uhonua alaka‘i (leadership) team includes kumu (teachers), cultural practitioners, community resource workers, attorneys, and mothers.

This approach differs from standard domestic violence programs that adopt cultural sensitivity or cultural components – a pu‘uhonua is a cultural space and practice. Participants will connect through a pu‘uhonua experience that will introduce Hawaiian practices and perspectives on living and maintaining relationships to fully realize individual and family potential for healing and growth.