Description

Based on a report prepared by Judy Atkinson and Caroline Atkinson, this chapter provides a broad overview of the current situation regarding family violence in Indigenous communities from both a statistical and a policy and program perspective. The chapter discusses Indigenous perspectives on family violence; the extent of family violence in Indigenous communities; and government responses to family violence in Indigenous communities, including Commonwealth initiatives, ATSIC initiatives, intergovernmental initiatives, and significant state and territory initiatives. The chapter also discusses future challenges in improving the programmatic responses to family violence in Indigenous communities, including the need to promote greater coordination and an holistic approach to family violence programs; the need to ensure access to justice for Indigenous women; and the need to explore the promise of community justice responses to family violence, such as Community Justice Groups in Queensland and the Kurduju Committee Law and Justice Strategy (NT).