For too long, governments have promised change but failed to deliver the resources and policies necessary to support community-led solutions. This is a call to action – for governments, organisations, and every Australian – to stand with First Nations communities, listen to their voices, and commit to ending the cycle of violence. The time for empty promises is over. It’s time for real change, driven by those who know the solutions best: the communities themselves.
Family violence: a national emergency
The numbers alone demand urgent attention:
- One in four Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander individuals aged 15 years and over experience physical or threatened violence each year (AIHW, 2023);
- First Nations women are 34 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence compared to non-Indigenous women (AIHW, 2023); and
- First Nations children are disproportionately affected, with many removed from their families as a direct result of family violence (AIHW, 2023).
These figures aren’t just statistics – they reflect a devastating reality. Violence against women and children in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is a direct consequence of colonisation, systemic racism, and intergenerational trauma. It is a crisis that demands immediate and culturally appropriate solutions.
The role of community-led solutions
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have long held the knowledge and cultural strength needed to address family violence. Community-led initiatives have consistently proven to be the most effective solutions, as they are tailored to the specific needs and strengths of each community.
Examples include:
- Healing programs that integrate cultural practices, enabling individuals and families to reconnect with their heritage and identity;
- Men’s and women’s groups that provide safe spaces for reflection, accountability and support; and
- Crisis response teams that offer immediate, culturally appropriate assistance to those experiencing violence.
Despite their effectiveness, many of these initiatives remain critically underfunded and otherwise unsupported by current government policies. Programs that could transform lives are unable to reach their potential due to insufficient resources and bureaucratic barriers.
Government promises vs. reality
Governments across Australia have made commitments to support ending family violence in First Nations communities, including:
- The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032, which recognises the need for targeted actions to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities (Commonwealth of Australia, 2022); and
- State and territory strategies, such as Queensland’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016-2026, which emphasises cultural safety and community engagement (Queensland Government, 2016).
However, these promises often fail to translate into meaningful change. Funding is inconsistent, top-down policy approaches ignore community voices, and implementation is hampered by red tape. Governments must do more than pay lip service – they must prioritise community-led solutions and resource them adequately.
What must happen now?
To support ending family violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, governments must embrace a new approach that centers community leadership and self determination. This includes:
- Significant investment: Substantial and sustained funding for community-led programs to ensure their continuation and long-term impact;
- Policy reform: Aligning government policies with the needs and priorities of communities, removing bureaucratic barriers, and fostering cultural safety;
- Collaboration: Co-designing solutions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, organisations, and communities to ensure relevance and effectiveness; and
- Transparency and accountability: Ensuring governments are held accountable for their commitments and the outcomes of funded programs.
A future free from violence
Family violence is not inevitable – it is the result of systemic failures that can and must be addressed. By resourcing and supporting community-led initiatives, we can break the cycle of violence and build a future where First Nations families thrive in safety and dignity.
This is not just about policy – it is about justice. It is about valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lives and listening to the wisdom of their communities. The time for action is now.
Together, we can create a future free from violence.
References
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Family, domestic and sexual violence: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Retrieved from AIHW website.
- Commonwealth of Australia. (2022). National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032. Retrieved from Australian Government website. 3. Queensland Government. (2016). Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–2026. Retrieved from Queensland Government website.