Djirra and Safe and Equal are working to support non-Aboriginal specialist family violence services to take tangible action towards this, informed by deep engagement with Aboriginal communities.
Project intention
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are founded on a strong social and cultural order that has sustained Aboriginal peoples’ existence for more than 60,000 years. Victorian Aboriginal communities and peoples are culturally diverse, with rich and varied heritage and histories. The ongoing impacts of colonial occupation – while having devastating effects – have not diminished Aboriginal peoples’ deep and enduring connections to culture and Country.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children experience family violence and harmful state interventions at unacceptable rates. This reality is driven by the ongoing impacts of colonisation, which includes social and structural racism that means Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face overall higher rates of violence and increased barriers to accessing support and safety.
Non-Aboriginal services are recognised under the Dhelk Dja Partnership Agreement as critical partners in delivering services to Aboriginal people experiencing family violence. This is essential to ensuring that Aboriginal adults and children who, for various reasons, access non-Aboriginal services have their rights upheld and receive culturally informed and responsive services. It is the responsibility of specialist family violence services to take tangible action towards this. This action must be informed by deep engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, while recognising Aboriginal services are not responsible for correcting the wrongs of colonisation.
Partnership approach
The project is grounded in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ right to self-determination and culturally responsive, inclusive, and accessible family violence services, wherever they seek support.
This formal partnership is building on a strong existing relationship between Djirra and Safe and Equal with a positive foundation of trust and respect. The partnership provides an opportunity to bring together and share skills, expertise, influence, reach and knowledge across both organisations.
Both organisations share experiences of partnerships being established quickly, in response to external factors including funding opportunities. These collaborations are often not built on deep mutual understanding or a commitment to self-determination. This partnership is an opportunity for Djirra and Safe and Equal to invest time, effort and resourcing into an ongoing relationship independent of any external funding arrangements, to build a strong foundation for transformational cross-sector relationships into the future.
Project governance
The work is guided by a Steering Group, co-chaired by Djirra and Safe and Equal with membership including two Aboriginal members of the Victim Survivor Advisory Council and representation from Elizabeth Morgan House, Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service, Good Samaritans Inn, Centre Against Violence, and FVREE.
Project funding
This work is resourced by Safe and Equal as a demonstration of the accountability of the peak body and their non-Aboriginal member services under the Dhelk Dja Partnership Agreement which recognises non-Aboriginal service providers as critical partners in delivering culturally safe services. It is not a funded activity under Dhelk Dja.
Project update
The project was initiated in February 2023, and the first stage is expected to be completed by August 2024. This Project Update provides an overview of the approach to the work, emerging insights and the next steps.
Get in touch
Anna Wark is the Family Violence Project Lead based at Djirra and welcomes any questions you may have or opportunities to discuss your organisation’s involvement: awark@djirra.org.au.