The comprehensive strategy is the result of decades of advocacy from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, who have highlighted the need for solutions that are designed, delivered and led by community.
It aligns with state and national strategies and agreements that reinforce the importance of culturally-grounded, Aboriginal-led approaches in preventing and responding to family violence.
Attorney General Dr Tony Buti MLA said addressing family violence and an over-representation of Aboriginal people in the justice system required a dedicated approach.
鈥淲e will reshape existing approaches and progress with integrated responses, in partnership with Aboriginal representative bodies and community-controlled organisations,鈥 Dr Buti said.
Director General Kylie Maj said 鈥極ur Way Forward鈥 represents the work and voices of many Aboriginal people involved with the justice system and in the community.
鈥淭he strategy was informed by a multi鈥慳gency reference group made up of government and non鈥慻overnment organisations, co鈥慶haired by Aboriginal Family Legal Services, which provided solutions to address family violence鈥, Ms Maj said.
Professor Victoria Hovane, a Ngarluma, Jaru and Gooniyandi psychologist and consultant, is the author of the family violence strategy. Her deep expertise in intergenerational trauma and healing has ensured that 鈥極ur Way Forward鈥 is grounded in evidence and culturally informed practice.
鈥淗olistic, whole-of-family responses are required for Aboriginal families to disrupt cycles of family violence鈥, Prof. Hovane said.
Learn more about the strategy and our commitment - Our Way Forward: Supporting Aboriginal Families Experiencing Family Violence (PDF, 2.4MB)