What works? A qualitative exploration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healing programs that respond to family violence

Abstract

This report is the second publication from the research project “An exploration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healing programs that respond to domestic and family violence and sexual assault”.

The project aimed to determine “what works” in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healing programs from the perspectives of the people who deliver, use and are impacted by those programs. The research also aimed to understand the availability of healing programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIASB+ people and those with a disability.

The exploration of healing programs that prevent and respond to family violence aligns with and supports the goals outlined in the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan 2023–2025 and the Closing the Gap targets.

The project was Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led and guided by Indigenous-centred research methodologies and qualitative research design. This included being guided by a Knowledge Circle comprised of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experts and leaders in the fields of healing and family violence.

The original research design was adapted, as it was directly impacted by the COVID-19 lockdowns. The final research design included a national symposium with over 60 stakeholders from every state and territory. The researchers also held yarning circles with workers and clients of healing programs from across the continent both in person and online, and individual interviews with participants from Victoria, Queensland, the Northern Territory and New South Wales.

The findings provide further evidence on the effectiveness of healing programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing and/or using family violence. This report highlights the urgent need for sustainable long-term funding for healing programs conceived of and led by First Nations people.

Key recommendations from these findings include the need to establish auspicing relationships between mainstream organisations and community-controlled healing programs, the need for programs to be designed and led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the need for professional qualifications and standards to be designed to recognise the value of lived expertise and community connection.