Family violence continues to devastate Indigenous families and communities at a much higher rate than the broader community. Its effects are brutal and long-lasting, especially for children.
A growing body of literature over many years has highlighted the causes and extent of violence, particularly family violence, in Indigenous communities. Much of this has been written by Indigenous people seeking profound changes in their communities.
Indigenous Australians have called for greater investment in the skills of local people who show leadership to prevent violence. They’ve called for action to address alcohol abuse, for better police presence and protection in remote areas and for more integrated community services to support vulnerable families and children.
The Australian Government has developed the Indigenous Family Safety Agenda in response to this call to action.
The Australian Government will work to reduce Indigenous family violence in partnership with Indigenous leaders, state and territory governments, non-government organisations and communities. The Government will use every appropriate lever to protect families and children from the devastating impact of violence, abuse and neglect.
Indigenous Family Safety Agenda priority action areas
Over the next four years from 2010-11 to 2014-15, the Australian Government is providing $64.4million to fund Indigenous family safety community initiatives focused on the Agenda’s priority action areas.
- Addressing alcohol abuse, with an urgent focus on reducing the supply of alcohol.
- More effective police protection to reduce incidents of violence.
- Working with strong local leaders to strengthen social norms against violence by changing attitudes and fostering respectful relationships.
- Coordinating support services to aid the recovery of people who experience violence, including children who experience or witness violence.