AT.19.02
Understanding the role of law and culture in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities in responding to and preventing family violence
June 2020
Family violence within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities attracts considerable attention in policy, research and practice.
Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have advocated for community-led approaches to family violence that are culturally safe, involve Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander justice models and recognise Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Law and Culture.
This project used a strengths-based approach to explore the role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Law and Culture plays in prevention, intervention and healing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family violence, and how this can be supported. The project was grounded in an understanding of family violence as shaped by the impacts of colonisation.
The research was undertaken in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander place-based programs in six sites: the Kimberley (two sites) and the Pilbara (Western Australia), the Tiwi Islands and Darwin (Northern Territory), and Mornington Island (Queensland).
The final report emphasises the need for improved understandings within mainstream systems and services of the nature of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family obligations and interconnections, as well as acknowledgement of the link between violence and issues that stem from colonisation, such as alcohol misuse and intergenerational trauma. It recommends a greater focus on prevention, healing and diversions from the criminal legal system; the involvement of both men and women in the design and implementation of local family violence strategies; and interventions that worked at the family, rather than individual, level.
Researchers
Principal Chief Investigators
Professor Harry Blagg, University of Western Australia
Chief Investigators
Dr Tamara Tulich, University of Western Australia
Senior Research Advisor
Professor Victoria Hovane, Australian National University
Research Team
Mr Thomas Worrigal
Ms Donella Raye
Ms Suzanne May, University of Western Australia
Research Partners
The study will be undertaken in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander place-based programs in five sites: the Kimberley (two sites) and the Pilbara in Western Australia, the Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory, and Mornington Island in Queensland.
Downloads
Research report
Understanding the role of Law and Culture in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in responding to and preventing family violence
Download
Research summary
Understanding the role of Law and Culture in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in responding to and preventing family violence: Key findings and future directions
Downloadsee also
MEDIA RELEASE
Study finds Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Law and Culture is key to preventing family violence
View morePresentations
Understanding the role of Law and Culture in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in responding to and preventing family violence
This webinar explores the ANROWS research, ‘Understanding the role of Law and Culture in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in responding to and preventing family violence’. The panel of researchers discuss:
- family violence as shaped by the impacts of colonisation how responses to family violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities should move away from the mainstream legal system and be grounded in Law and Culture
- addressing family violence through healing intergenerational trauma on country
- community-driven approaches that involve elders, and men and women working together
- recommendations for policy and service change.
Presenters:
- Dr Harry Blagg, The University of Western Australia
- Dr Victoria Hovane, The University of Western Australia
- Donella Raye, Independent Aboriginal Researcher
- Dr Tamara Tulich, The University of Western Australia
Facilitated by: Dr Heather Nancarrow, ANROWS
Budget
$284,836.80
Funded by Commonwealth Department of Social Services.
find out more
Contact ANROWS
PO Box Q389, Queen Victoria Building NSW 1230
Email: enquiries@anrows.org.au
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