National Plan Launched to Address Domestic Violence for First Nations Survivors
The first national plan aimed at addressing domestic violence experienced by First Nations survivors has been launched.
The 10-year roadmap, titled "Our Ways — Strong Ways — Our Voices," was developed through a co-design process involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Australian, state, and territory governments.
Key Statistics and Context
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are 27 times more likely than other Australian women to be hospitalized due to family violence and seven times more likely to be victims of intimate partner homicide.
Muriel Bamblett, a co-chair of the steering committee, stated that the plan addresses the complexity of family violence and aims to move beyond responding solely to fatalities to secure resources.
Funding and Services
The federal government has allocated $218.3 million in new funding over four years. This funding will support a network of up to 40 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to deliver specialized support services.
These services include:
- Crisis response teams, including mobile units in remote areas.
- Emergency accommodation.
- Therapeutic support.
- Behavior change and education programs.
- Assistance for victim survivors to leave violence safely and receive ongoing support.
Plan Objectives and Design
Ms. Bamblett noted that the plan acknowledges past issues, focuses on healing and cultural strength, and seeks to address barriers to safety and justice through long-term strategies.
SNAICC, the peak body for First Nations children, consulted over 80 Indigenous organizations and 70 women with lived experience to help design the plan. The plan identifies trauma, poverty, homelessness, drug and alcohol use, gambling, and mental health issues as key risk factors.
Accountability and Advocacy
Hannah McGlade, an associate professor from Curtin Law School and steering committee member, emphasized that the plan focuses on specific, targeted reforms led by First Peoples, aligning with community rights for self-determination in driving responses to violence.
A new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander national peak body for family, domestic, and sexual violence is set to be established to ensure accountability. Additionally, First Nations representatives from each state and territory will regularly meet with federal and state government departments to oversee implementation.
Dr. McGlade highlighted that the plan is the result of years of advocacy by Aboriginal women, both domestically and internationally, rather than a unilateral government initiative.
Racheal Dungay from the Ngarra Aboriginal Corporation stated the plan would significantly impact services constrained by short-term funding, enabling sustained trauma-informed intervention programs for men and boys.
Government Statements
Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy reflected on victims and their families, stressing the need for support, love, and healing.
Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek indicated the new funding would make a