This statement sets out non-Aboriginal family violence services collective commitment, as a family violence sector. Acknowledging what we have heard, the tangible actions we will take and how we will demonstrate accountability to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

As non-Aboriginal family violence services, we work on unceded Aboriginal lands across so-called Victoria. The ongoing impacts of colonisation continue to cause harm to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in different places and spaces in which our services operate.

We recognise the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, children and community members to receive culturally responsive, inclusive, and accessible family violence services, wherever they seek support. It is our responsibility to ensure the services we provide uphold these rights and are demonstrably accountable to Aboriginal communities. This is an ongoing process that must be undertaken by our sector in relationship with Aboriginal services, without demanding more from Aboriginal communities, who are not responsible for correcting the wrongs of racism and colonisation.

For more information about the work: https://safeandequal.org.au/about/working-together-for-change/supporting-a-culturally-responsive-and-accountable-family-violence-sector/