Addressing the Silent Crisis: Supporting Aboriginal Women Enduring Domestic Violence

Ms R Rubuntja was an advocate for First Nations women and one of many who have died through domestic violence. (ABC: Four Corners/Georgina Piper)

Aboriginal women in Australia face an overwhelming rate of domestic violence, yet many remain reluctant to seek support due to cultural and systemic barriers. Research has shown that Indigenous women experience domestic violence at disproportionately high rates, with two in three First Nations people aged 15 and over having experienced intimate partner violence (Hollingdrake et al., 2022). Despite the prevalence of this issue, Aboriginal women are often hesitant to reach out for help due to fear of intervention by child protection services, historical trauma, and a deep mistrust of authorities (Hollingdrake et al., 2022). These barriers make it critical to address the need for culturally appropriate services and trauma-informed care that can build trust and encourage women to seek the support they need.

A significant challenge is the shortage of services that specifically address the needs of Aboriginal women. While efforts are underway to increase culturally sensitive support, service providers are often underfunded, which limits their ability to meet demand (Fiolet et al., 2021). Furthermore, the lack of integration between services often means that Aboriginal women do not receive the holistic care they require. The underfunding of services results in longer waiting periods and fewer resources for those in need, further contributing to the crisis.

To address these challenges, funding should be directly allocated to services that prioritise the needs of Aboriginal women, rather than just pouring resources into large, generic providers. A model similar to the Victim Services funding in NSW, where individuals have more direct access to tailored services, would empower Aboriginal women to access support that meets their specific needs. Such a model would not only ensure more effective use of funds but also promote autonomy and self-determination for women seeking help (Fiolet et al., 2021).

As mental health practitioners, it is essential to challenge the current funding structures and advocate for a more client-centered approach. How can we ensure that Aboriginal women have the resources they need to heal from trauma and break the cycle of violence? What steps can we take to make services more accessible, culturally competent, and responsive to the needs of this underserved community?

References:

Fiolet, R., Tarzia, L., Hameed, M., & Hegarty, K. (2021). Indigenous Peoples’ Help-Seeking Behaviors for Family Violence: A Scoping Review. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 22(2), 152483801985263. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524838019852638

Hollingdrake, O., Saadi, N., Alban Cruz, A., & Currie, J. (2022). Qualitative study of the perspectives of women with lived experience of domestic and family violence on accessing healthcare. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 79(4). https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.15316