$5.5m to fund domestic violence prevention programs

By PETER ROWE

Over $5.5 million will fund a range of Aboriginal-led initiatives that prevent or respond to family and domestic violence in local communities in WA.

A dozen Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and registered Aboriginal businesses have been awarded grant funding under the Aboriginal Family Safety Grants Program to develop community-led family safety activities in their regions over two years.

The funding supports the implementation of the Aboriginal Family Safety Strategy 2022-2032 by enabling Aboriginal-led actions and solutions that promote family safety.

Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton said Aboriginal women and children we are disproportionately impacted by family violence.

“This is completely unacceptable,” she said.

“This grants program demonstrates the Cook Government’s commitment to keeping Aboriginal people safe from family violence.

“We want to encourage Aboriginal-led solutions that support Aboriginal family safety.”

Recipients include an early intervention service for men in the Kimberley, a therapeutic healing program in the Central Great Southern region, and a drop-in centre for teenagers in the Goldfields-Esperance region.

The program was informed by the Family and Domestic Violence Taskforce which recommended more investment in Aboriginal-led responses to family violence experienced by Aboriginal people.

An independent evaluation of the grants program will be conducted by Kaala Barna Aboriginal Consultancy.

The grant recipients are:

Aboriginal Family Legal Services:’Expanding the AFLS Integrated Service Model’

Ngunytju Tjitji Pirni Aboriginal Corporation: ‘Strong Girls: Strong Women’

Badgebup Aboriginal Corporation in the Central Great Southern: ‘Women’s Therapeutic Healing Program’

Gawooleng Yawoodeng Aboriginal Corporation in the East Kimberley: ‘Binarrig-gerring Jawalenga-woorr Strong Men’s Program’

Gawooleng Yawoodeng Aboriginal Corporation in the East Kimberley: ‘Badayijeng Ninggoowoong-Woorr Strong Families – Prevention and Early Intervention Events and Resources’

Langford Aboriginal Association Inc: ‘Development of an Aboriginal Youth Family Violence Prevention Education Program’

Karlup Aboriginal Corporation in Midland: ‘Ni Birdiya Waangkiny Listen: Bosses talking!’

Goldfields Aboriginal Community Services Aboriginal Corporation: ‘Empowering Aboriginal Youth through a Holistic Drop-in Centre’

Marnin Bowa Dumbara Aboriginal Corporation: ‘Kimberley Community Child Safety and Advocacy’

Yura Yungi Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation: ‘Family Safety Project Halls Creek’

Karla Kuliny Aboriginal Corporation: ‘Kwabba Moorditj Bidi Kaartmardajen Moort – (Good strong path – head, hands, talk, walk with families) Boodjah Bidi (Sacred Path)’

Robe River Kuruma Aboriginal Corporation in the West Pilbara: ‘RRKAC’s Strong Family Connections’

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Dr Tony Buti said addressing family safety in Aboriginal communities required and approach that was culturally informed and tailored to their specific needs.

“Investing in Aboriginal-led programs is critical to achieving long-term safety and wellbeing for families,”he said.

“These grants reflect the importance of culturally responsive solutions that reflect the unique needs of Aboriginal communities.”