The recent findings from the National Community Attitudes towards Violence Against Women Survey (NCAS) bring to light the pressing need for systemic reforms to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women from violence. This issue cannot be resolved solely through individual behavioral changes; rather, it requires a transformation in the foundational structures and practices within policing, judicial systems, and social services that disproportionately impact these communities.
Dr. Tessa Boyd-Caine of ANROWS highlights a critical point: violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women is not only a matter of individual abuse but also of systemic racism and the lingering impacts of colonization. Addressing violence requires us to dismantle policies and practices that inadvertently reinforce inequality, creating culturally unsafe environments where seeking help can lead to further harm.
One of the NCAS findings—that 70% of respondents mistakenly believe domestic violence is equally perpetrated by men and women—reveals a gap in the public’s understanding of the gendered dynamics of violence. It underscores the need for education on gendered violence that can shift perspectives and foster a more accurate understanding of its nature, particularly among those in a position to support survivors.
Systemic racism is also deeply embedded in institutions designed to support and protect the public. Low trust levels in police and government, as indicated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander respondents, particularly LGBTQ+ community members, reveal the barriers faced when seeking protection and justice. When fewer than half of respondents believe the police take violence against Indigenous women seriously, it signals a need for deep reforms in police-community relations and culturally informed protocols to rebuild trust.
The survey's findings should prompt action from policymakers, service providers, and community leaders. Reforms should be informed by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, aiming to create culturally safe spaces within the justice and social support sectors. This includes integrating culturally relevant practices and removing barriers to access that perpetuate the cycles of violence and mistrust.
The path forward lies in fostering systemic change grounded in respect, accountability, and genuine cultural safety. Through inclusive policies, community-centered approaches, and commitment to dismantling systemic racism, Australia can work towards creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are safe, supported, and respected.
"...the NCAS findings signal the urgent need for systems-level reform to dismantle systemic racism and ensure culturally safe, trustworthy support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women."
New data from ANROWS in the National Indigenous Times.
https://lnkd.in/ghMJ5epZ
Urgent call for systemic change to address violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
nit.com.au
Aujourd'hui, à l'occasion de la Journée nationale de commémoration et d'action contre la violence faite aux femmes, nous nous souvenons des 14 femmes qui ont été assassinées et des 10 autres qui ont été blessées lors de la fusillade de l'École polytechnique, un acte horrible de misogynie qui a incité le Canada à faire du 6 décembre une journée de commémoration et de lutte contre la violence fondée sur le sexe. En réfléchissant, nous nous souvenons : Geneviève Bergeron Hélène Colgan Nathalie Croteau Barbara Daigneault Anne-Marie Edward Maud Haviernick Maryse Laganière Maryse Leclair Anne-Marie Lemay Sonia Pelletier Michèle Richard Annie St-Arneault Annie Turcotte Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz Nous connaissons la violence et la haine fondées sur le genre qui continuent d'affecter les femmes, les filles et les personnes LGBTQI+ dans le monde entier. Cette journée n'est pas seulement une commémoration, mais aussi un appel à l'action. Alors que les #16Jours d'activisme se poursuivent, passons à l'action - en honorant la mémoire de ces femmes tout en défendant un monde sans violence ni discrimination.