While a Northland family were grieving the death of Patricia Ann McGrath they were adamant about spreading the anti- violence message at her tangi as well.
Hundreds attended the burial of the 34-year-old mother of two, nicknamed Wowo, at Korokota Marae, Titoki, on Saturday with about 400 white ribbons - the symbol of a global campaign against violence towards women - being handed out to those who had come to pay their respects.
Ms McGrath died in hospital four days after being assaulted in her Kamo home. She was buried with a collection of her favourite things including a well-worn pair of black jandals that had a Rastafarian trim.
Her older brother, John McGrath, said the family wanted to grieve privately over their loss but because of the situation they wanted to get the message public that violence was not an option.
"We might have buried her but it doesn't stop there.