MP reveals she was abused by a relative as a 7-year-old

Marama Davidson. Photo / Bauer Media

MP Marama Davidson has revealed she was abused by a relative.

The Green Party politician was among a cross-party group of MPs ordered out of the debating chamber for their reaction to PM John Key's refusal to apologise for comments he made about what he perceived as support the Labour Party was offering Kiwi detainees on Christmas Island.

A fired up Key had accused Labour of "backing rapists", sparking outrage from Opposition MPs.

The next day a succession of Labour and Green Party MPs seeking an apology from the Prime Minister - including Davidson - were ejected from the debating chamber by Speaker David Carter after trying to speak of their own abuse.

In the latest New Zealand edition of the Australian Women's Weekly, Davidson has revealed her abuser was a relative.

"I was molested from the age of 7 to 9 by a family member and it was heavy but I moved through it," Davidson said.

"It is just one of the many stories that make me who I am."

Davidson kept the abuse quiet from her family until she was 24, breaking her silence after another family member revealed the abuse she too had suffered.

"I felt like I finally had a safe place and someone to talk to about my story, otherwise I'm not sure I would have told anybody. Because of her I managed to tell my husband and my mum."

Davidson entered Parliament last month after the resignation of long-standing Green Party co-leader Russel Norman.

Carter ordered her out of the debating chamber just five days into her parliamentary career. Her rapid ejection made international headlines.

"My family was so proud of me," she told the Australian Women's Weekly. "They sent me messages saying 'We are so proud of you entering the house to get kicked out of the house'.

Key eventually apologised for his inflammatory comment.

The latest edition of the Australian Women's Weekly is on sale today.

Where to get help:

If it is an emergency and you or someone you know is at risk, call 111.
• Women's Refuge: 0800 733 843
• Victim Support: 0800 842 846
• Lifeline: (09) 522 2999
• Family Violence Info Line: 0800 456 450