FDSV Programs in ACCOs

The Australian Government is investing $17 million over 3 years from 2024-25 to support 24 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled and Indigenous-led organisations with existing or emerging programs that respond to family, domestic and sexual violence.

These activities are designed to:

• meet existing demand
• support primary prevention initiatives
• build workforce capacity
• centre First Nations cultural knowledge and responses
• support innovation to address emerging issues.

The program is being delivered across a range of Aboriginal regions and states, including:

• In Mount Isa, Queensland, culturally safe domestic and family violence support and advocacy services are being delivered to families, addressing intergenerational trauma and enabling family-led recovery approaches.
• In Hobart, Tasmania, trauma-informed legal and non-legal support services are being provided to Aboriginal victim-survivors, alongside sector collaboration and workforce development.
• In Coober Pedy, South Australia, a dedicated Aboriginal domestic and family violence worker is providing confidential, culturally safe case management services.
• In Loddon (Dja Dja Wurrung community), Victoria, therapeutic support is being offered to Aboriginal women affected by sexual violence through trauma-informed care and cultural engagement.
• In Thomastown, Victoria, a family strengthening program is supporting recovery from family violence through therapy, education, and empowerment.
• In Halls Gap, Victoria, a Family Violence Practitioner is working with Aboriginal communities in the Grampians to support victim-survivors and their families.
• In Darling Downs, Queensland, a care coordination model is empowering individuals and fostering community resilience through culturally sensitive approaches.
• In West Kempsey, New South Wales, comprehensive support and advocacy services are being delivered using trauma-informed and culturally safe approaches.
• In East Arnhem (Galiwinku, Gapuwiyak, Ramingining), Northern Territory, leadership training is empowering women in remote communities to prevent and respond to violence.
• In Geraldton, Western Australia, specialist support and cultural consulting are addressing gaps in culturally safe FDSV services for women and families.
• In Wimmera, Victoria, group work programs are supporting both victim-survivors and people who use violence, aiming to reduce gender-based violence.
• In Gunnedah, New South Wales, Aboriginal-led initiatives are enhancing the capabilities of FDSV programs in the region.
• In Rockhampton and Livingstone, Queensland, therapeutic services are supporting recovery and healing for First Nations women experiencing domestic and sexual violence.
• In Illawarra, New South Wales, group healing sessions and culturally grounded programs are being delivered for both victim-survivors and perpetrators of violence.
• In Martu communities (Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu, Kunawarritji, Newman, Roebourne), Western Australia, culturally informed workshops are promoting healthy relationships and addressing the impacts of violence.
• In Parkside, South Australia, cultural practice leadership is being embedded across services to strengthen therapeutic healing and community resilience.
• In Northern Territory, sector capacity is being built to respond to FDSV impacts in the workplace, improving safety and wellbeing for women and children.
• In Ngaanyatjarra Lands (Goldfields–Esperance), Western Australia, a customised FDSV framework is being developed through community engagement and consultation.
• In Alice Springs and the NPY tristate region (NT, SA, WA), Anangu women are being supported to lead primary prevention and healing activities across remote communities.
• In South-west WA (Bunbury, Busselton, Collie, Katanning, Narrogin, Mandurah), first response intervention and care coordination are being delivered to families experiencing or at risk of FDSV.
• In Inner Gippsland, Victoria, trauma-informed, culturally safe counselling services are supporting Aboriginal children, young people and adults who have experienced sexual violence.
• In Roebourne, Western Australia, educational sessions are being delivered to school-age children to raise awareness of FDSV and promote healthy relationships.
• In Cape York and Torres Strait Islands, Queensland, culturally appropriate, trauma-informed support services are being provided to First Nations women and children affected by violence.
• In Hastings, Victoria, cultural programs and events are strengthening identity and access to services for Aboriginal women and families.

These initiatives complement and support existing services, enabling improved service delivery and culturally safe responses to family, domestic and sexual violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

For more information see https://ministers.dss.gov.au/media-releases/15531.