First Nations
Last updated May 23, 2023
Research indicates that First Nations people in Australia are five times more likely to be impacted by DFV than non-First Nations people (Langton, et al., 2020), and that First Nations women are 35 times more likely to end up in hospital because of domestic and family violence, compared to non-First Nations women (ACT Government, n.d.).
First Nations people impacted by DFV face barriers to disclosing violence, including:
- Real and immediate threat of homelessness
- Fear of losing their children (Langton, et al., 2020)
- Lack of confidence in police or community support
- Language and cultural barriers
- Lack of awareness of support services
It is important for practitioners to be aware of the current and historical events and structures that create and perpetuate these fears.
Providing support to First Nations people impacted by DFV
Confidentiality and privacy
Some people fear disclosing violence due to a perceived lack of privacy. Below are some things you can do to support your patients in relation to privacy:
- Be upfront about the expectations and limitations of privacy and confidentiality within your practice
- Ensure your patient knows that, except for mandatory reporting requirements, a referral can be provided without a report being made
- Provide your patient with the choice about whether they or not they want to disclose that they are First Nations in a referral
- Provide your patient with the choice about whether they want to access First Nations specific services
Early Intervention
Be sure to address DFV as soon as it becomes apparent. To ensure early intervention:
- Be aware of the clinical indicators of DFV
- Act on any indicators of DFV as soon as they become apparent
- Encourage your patient to accept a referral to your Local LINK or another appropriate referral as soon as possible
Support Victim/Survivors
Victim/survivors should always be included in safety planning. However, victim/survivors should not hold the full responsibility of ensuring safety of themselves and their family members. To support the safety of your patients:
- Inform patients about the services and support available to them
- Encourage your patient to accept a referral to your Local LINK or another appropriate referral as soon as possible
Contacts
Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline
Victims Services has a dedicated contact line for Aboriginal victims of crime who would like information on victims’ rights, how to access counselling and financial assistance.
Ph: 1800 019 123 or visit the website.
13 YARN (Crisis Support Line)
13YARN [Thirteen YARN] is the first national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. Providing confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter who can provide crisis support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
13 YARN (Ph: 13 92 76) or visit the website.
Training
Burndawan
Burndawan is a resource created with the First Nations people living on Wadawurrung Country. It is designed for Aboriginal people who would like information or support about harmful behaviours from a partner or family member.
WellMob
WellMob brings together online resources made by and for First Nations peoples. Here you will find websites, apps, podcasts, videos, helplines, social media, and online programs all with a focus on social and emotional wellbeing, including family violence.
Healing Foundation
The Healing Foundation is a national First Nations organisation that provides a platform to amplify the voices and lived experience of Stolen Generations survivors and their families.
They work with communities to create a place of safety, providing an environment for Stolen Generations survivors and their families to speak for themselves, tell their own stories, and be in charge of their own healing.
They promote trauma-aware, healing-informed practice to help government, policymakers, and workforces understand their role in intergenerational healing.
Family Matters
Family Matters is Australia’s national campaign to ensure First Nations children and young people grow up safe and cared for in family, community, and culture.
References
- ACT Government (n.d.): Facts about domestic and family violence for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Langton, M., Smith, K., Eastman, T., O'Neill, L., Cheesman, E., & Rose, M. (2020). Improving family violence legal and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Australia's National Research Organisation for Women's Safety (ANROWS).