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
1 May 2020 | One year and eight months
This project will identify aspects of traditional law and culture that can be amplified to promote the safety of women and children.
The study will be undertaken in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander place-based programs in six sites: the Kimberley (two sites) and the Pilbara in Western Australia, the Tiwi Islands and Darwin in the Northern Territory, and Mornington Island in Queensland. These sites have been identified as communities where law and culture remain “strong”, that is, where there are unbroken continuities in law, spoken language and ceremony and initiation, and where cultural ‘bosses’ remain central to defining social norms and acceptable forms of behaviour.
Through yarning methodologies and community-led discussions, the project will explore the ways in which traditional law and culture promote social order and aid in conflict resolution, punishment and rehabilitation.
The study will promote greater Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community ownership and control of initiatives supporting community safety, and will make a crucial contribution to the theory of how “place” can be harnessed in initiatives to reduce violence.
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.
Budget
$284,836.80
Funded by Commonwealth Department of Social Services.
find out more
Contact ANROWS
PO Box Q389, Queen Victoria Building NSW 1230
Phone: 61 2 8374 4000 | Email: enquiries@anrows.org.au