First Nations Women

Helping First Nations women heal & break the cycle of domestic violence in a culturally sensitive manner

PROVIDING THE JOURNEY TO HEALING

The generational cycle of domestic violence amongst Indigenous and Torres Strait Island people is often caused by intergenerational trauma. Educating women, youth and families about forms and cycles of violence will help equip and empower individuals and families to create and sustain healthy relationships and see lasting generational change. An opportunity to break the cycle of violence once and for all.

First Nations Women’s Domestic Violence Healing programs are 8 weeks long, and bimonthly sub workshops are available for past graduates to stay connected, supported and in community.

THE NEED

In Australia, the devastating effects of domestic violence in the First Nations community is widespread. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are 35 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence than other Australian women. These women are twice as likely to die as an outcome of family violence and 5 times more likely to be victims of homicide. More than 55% of these homicides are related to family violence.

With many agencies delivering response services, which are reactive to domestic violence, One Co. focuses on ‘healing journey’ workshops with women who have experienced domestic violence and equipping them with knowledge and tools to prevent future reoccurrences and therefore breaking the cycle.

OBJECTIVE

In a culturally sensitive manner, the objective of the ‘healing journeys’ is to educate, equip and empower First Nations women to prevent the generational cycle of violence. Educating women about the different forms of abuse and the cycle of violence. Education is a vital key to preventing cycles of violence for future generations. Equipping women with new coping mechanisms and tools to be able to heal from trauma. Empowering Women to come into a deep revelation of self-worth and self-love. Having a strong sense of belonging and identity to be able to live out their dreams and destinies.

PROJECT PARTNER

Strong Women Talking is our project partner. A first nations organisation, Strong Women Talking exists to educate, equip and empower families to see their communities living free from the cycle of family and domestic violence. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aunties and Elders provide wisdom, guidance and support. Strong connections to Culture, Country and Community grounds their work creating safe, culturally appropriate spaces for women to heal, learn and grow.

www.strongwomentalking.org.au