$218m plan to address domestic violence

The Federal Government has launched Australia’s first standalone plan that aims for a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children can live free from violence.

Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices: National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Plan to End Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence 2026– 2036 is Australia’s national plan to address the high and disproportionate rates of violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children.

The program has been developed in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and State and Territory governments.

Mens Outreach Service Aboriginal Corporation Change Em Ways program team leader Nicholas Glauser and cultural guidance worker Nelson Bieundurry speak at the Overcoming Indigenous Family Violence Forum on the Gold Coast in May last year. (AAP)

Strong action

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have been steadfast in their advocacy to be safe and to be heard. They have been calling for strong action, and the Government says it is now doing that.

“We know Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women face unique and significant barriers to getting help – they are seven times more likely to be victims of intimate partner homicide and 27 times more likely than non-Indigenous women to be hospitalised due to family violence,” a statement on behalf of Minister for Social services Tanya Plibersek and minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said.

“This increases to 41 times more likely in regional and very remote communities.”

Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices is backed by $218.3 million in new funding over four years.

As an immediate step, the funding will invest in a national network of up to 40 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) to deliver community-led specialist support services that help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families who are experiencing family, domestic, and sexual violence.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations are leading evidence-based solutions.

The government is investing to support what is working and ensure that community-led solutions are driving change. The new funding will support programs like:

• Crisis responses, like mobile teams in remote areas to work with families after a violent incident, or safe transport and emergency accommodation.
• Planning to help victims leave violence safely and continued support once they have.
• Therapeutic supports, like community playgroups where mums and bubs can connect with Elders, receive parenting support, and be linked to early help and healing.
• Behaviour change and education, like outreach programs for men and boys.

“This is a historic day. For the first time, Australia has a dedicated national plan to address the unique needs and barriers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children face in accessing support,” Minister Plibersek said.

“Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices stands on the shoulders of its advocates – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and victim survivors.

Shared commitment

“Labor promised to develop this plan and now we have delivered.

“I’d like to thank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who shared their advice, stories and experiences of domestic, family and sexual violence. Your courage drives this plan.

“This plan is our shared commitment to work together to make sure all communities, from Redfern to Alice Springs, are safe and strong.”

The Government will also extend the Leaving Violence Program Regional Trials to 2027, continuing to provide support packages of up to $5,000 and culturally safe and accessible supports to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in regional and remote communities.

Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices has been endorsed by all states and territories. It also:

• Delivers on Labor’s 2022 election commitment to release a separate national plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to end violence against women and family violence
• Will make real progress in addressing Target 13 (family violence) of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and contribute to Target 12 (out-of-home care)
• Responds to eight recommendations in the Missing and Murdered First Nations Women and Children Senate Inquiry Report
• Responds to 12 recommendations in the Rapid Review of Prevention Approaches (Unlocking the Prevention Potential: accelerating action to end domestic, family and sexual violence)

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy said the program would deliver on a long-held call by First Nations women and the community sector for a standalone action plan that recognises the specific needs of First Nations families.

“Delivering Our Ways builds on our work to end gender-based violence and is a significant step toward realising better outcomes for First Nations women and children across the country,” she said.

“I commend the effort of all who worked in partnership to deliver this landmark National Plan.”

More information on Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices is available on the Department of Social Services website.

Support information

• If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au for online chat and video call services.
• If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au
• MensLine Australia Services are available if you are concerned about your wellbeing, relationships, and behaviour on 1300 789 978 or by visiting www.mensline.org.au
• Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.