Our conference aims to bring together experts, researchers, professionals, advocates, and those with lived experience to deepen our understanding and ability to respond to traumatic brain injuries caused by interpersonal violence. Through knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovative solutions, we strive to enhance prevention strategies, support systems, and survivor-centred interventions.

There will be breakout workshops throughout the conference. Please refer to https://tbi-conference24.nz/ for information on Workshop speakers. You’ll be asked to select your session choices when booking. 

OUTCOME ONE: Mahi Tahi

Collaboration, Networking, and Advocacy

• Networking and connection for professionals working in the health, disability, family violence, and criminal justice spaces.
• Opportunity for inter-agency collaboration- to maximise the safety and support for victim-survivors of TBI.

OUTCOME TWO: Ora

Wellbeing and Restoration of Victim-Survivors

• Highlighting current kaupapa Māori research and tools in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of TBI’s.
• Highlighting the voices, challenges, experiences, and aspirations of our disabled community, whaikaha Māori, and those with lived experience of TBI/IPV.
• Challenging the myths, norms and societal attitudes associated with TBI/IPV which lead to invisibility of victim-survivors.

OUTCOME THREE: Kaitiakitanga

Protection and Accountability to Victim-Survivors

• Current interdisciplinary discussions on the intersection of TBI and IPV.
• Identification of gaps in TBI/IPV sectors.
• New frameworks and tools to enhance professional practice.
• Increased capability of our specialist workforces in the TBI/IPV spaces.

Speakers

Traumatic Brain Injuries are a common consequence of family violence. Research has found that over half of all individuals who have been in an abusive relationship have suffered a TBI due to the physical trauma inflicted by their partner. In many cases the TBI’s are severe and may result in long-term physical, cognitive and behavioural impairments. Studies have also found that victims of family violence are more likely to suffer TBI’s than the general population. These injuries can have a significant impact on victim’s lives. The cost of these injuries is often hidden. Our six keynote speakers are all influential voices and renowned figures in this space. With their extensive and diverse knowledge, research, advocacy, and experience, they have all dedicated many years to improving access to care, raising awareness, and building the capability of the people supporting victim-survivors.

Dr. Hinemoa Elder

Dr. Debbie Hager

Katherine Snedaker

Dr. Alice Theadom

Dr. Kim A. Gorgens

Dr. Eve Valera

The lovely Natalie Callard and Nita Ropata-Riki from the Problem Gambling Foundation will be presenting their Problem Gambling workshop for the VIN community via zoom on Thursday 7th of December 9am-12pm. This is a free workshop (information below). All welcome 😊

Workshop information:

In this information filled presentation by PGF services you will get a robust background into who and how gambling harm affects the most vulnerable in our communities. What gambling harm is. How to identify gambling harm, and how gambling harm presents in the lives of the tangata whaiora you may engage with on a day-to-day basis in your own work.

PGF Services mission is that Aotearoa should have healthy and resilient communities in a just society. Our mahi at PGF Services is preventing and reducing gambling harm for all tangata in Aotearoa and to do so with integrity and mana by offering appropriate and innovative support and resources that address gambling harm.  We provide free, professional, and confidential support for gamblers and their loved ones.

While no one can make gamblers stop gambling, you can support them by talking to them about their gambling. There are recognised links between gambling and other biopsychosocial presentations including other addictions, criminal activities, domestic violence, child and elderly wellbeing, homelessness, and suicide.

Our approach is to empower and encourage individuals and whānau towards wellbeing, and to be mana enhancing in all we do, caring for the spiritual emotional, physical, and intellectual needs of people and communities.