Violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their children is disproportionate and severe. A national survey by the ABS found Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women report experiencing violence in the previous 12 months at 3.1 times the rate of non-Indigenous women.
Violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women is not an ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander problem’. Nor should Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people bear sole responsibility for addressing it.
This violence is an Australian problem, perpetrated by men of all cultural backgrounds. Preventing it is a national responsibility.
We acknowledge that the ongoing impacts of colonisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities are a driving factor of violence.
Together, we can heal the impacts of intergenerational trauma, strengthen culture and support First Nations families’ work towards positive, equal and respectful relationships between women and men, girls and boys and people of all genders.
Resources
- Change the Picture, a National Resource produced by Our Watch to support the prevention of violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their children
- Dhelk Dja: Safe Our Way is the key Aboriginal-led Victorian Agreement
If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault or family violence, you can call Djirra on 1800 105 303, or 1800-RESPECT (1800 737 732) — a 24-hour national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling and information referral service.
