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Welcome to a new era of self-determination for the National Family Violence Prevention & Legal Services Forum, and its evolution to:

First Nations Advocates Against Family Violence

As of July 1, 2024, the National Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services Forum (the Forum) will operate as a standalone incorporated identity under the new company structure, strategic plan, name, and brand identity of First Nations Advocates Against Family Violence (FNAAVF).

The FNAAFV name and brand identity is representative of the evolution of the organisation to a self-determined, community-controlled, national peak body. While our name may be changing, we remain steadfastly committed to creating a future where all First Nations communities and individuals live free from the devastating impacts of family violence.

Learn more about the evolution of the FNAAFV brand in our company brand FACT SHEET.

'Community Connections' artwork by Nikita Herd.

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FNAAFV works with its FVPLS members, communities, governments and other partners to raise awareness about family violence effecting First Nations people, and to advocate for culturally safe legal and other holistic responses to this issue. The organisation provides a unified voice for its FVPLS members in areas of national policy, planning and law reform, and being a member of the national Coalition of Peaks, FNAAFV is committed to the national Closing the Gap targets, including Target 13:

Rates of violence against First Nations women are 34 times higher than other women in Australia, and up to 80 times in the worst areas of the country

Three (3) in five (5) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have experienced physical or sexual violence. First Nations women are also 34 times more likely to be hospitalized due to family violence than non-indigenous women and 11 times more likely to die due to assault (AIHW 2019 p.113). Family violence is also the primary driver of First Nations children into out-of-home care, and 88% of Aboriginal children in care have experienced family violence. Family violence has been associated with various negative health impacts, including higher rates of miscarriage, pre-term birth and low birthweight, depression, anxiety, suicide and other long-term health consequences for women and children (AIHW 2019 p.115).

The scale of the problem is much greater than this, however, because it is known that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are less likely than other women to report family violence or to seek support because of judgment, discrimination, shame or fear. The health and wellbeing of First Nations children depends upon the safety and resilience of First Nations women and families, so addressing family violence is a central priority in eliminating inter-generational disadvantage and discrimination against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia.

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Today we pause to remember and stand together in honour of those who have served and continue to serve.

We pay tribute not only to their courage and sacrifice, but also to our ancestors who, while fighting for this country, were also fighting for justice and equality here at home. Their ...strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to country continue to inspire us.

Lest we forget. #AnzacDay #LestWeForget

🟣 Expressions of Interest Now Open – FDSV Sector Strengthening Plan Working Group 🟣

The development of a Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence (FDSV) Sector Strengthening Plan is a key commitment in the Closing the Gap 2024 Implementation Plan and First Nations leadership must be ...at the heart of it.

FNAAFV is inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to express interest in joining the FDSV SSP Working Group to help shape this important national plan.

🗓️ Monthly meetings from June/July 2025 to May 2026

Seeking diverse representation across:
☐ Elders
☐ Lived experience voices
☐ Men’s programs
☐ Shelters
☐ Rural and remote communities
☐ Health
☐ FVPLS
☐ Alcohol and drug services
☐ Research
☐ Justice
☐ Older persons
☐ Disability
☐ Housing
☐ Others

📩 Request a copy of the EOI form to info@fnaafv.org.au and submit your completed form by COB Friday 9 May 2025. Please reach out to this email if you have any questions.

#FNAAFV #ClosingTheGap #FDSV #FirstNationsVoices #CommunityLed #EOI #AboriginalLeadership #SectorStrengthening #IndigenousJustice #DVPrevention

As the Federal Election draws closer, we remind all political leaders and candidates that the safety and wellbeing of First Nations families is a national priority.

Our member services - Family Violence Prevention Legal Services (FVPLS) - have a proven track record of delivering culturally... safe, specialist legal and non-legal supports grounded in culture and designed to meet the unique needs of our communities.

Now, less than a month out from the Federal Election we reinforce our commitment to advocating for the long-term stability and sustainability of the FVPLS sector regardless of the composition of the next Commonwealth Government.

First Nations voices must be heard.

First Nations solutions must be prioritised with sustainable funding.

#FederalElection2025 #FNAAFV #FVPLS #EndFamilyViolence

FNAAFV acknowledges and respects the traditional custodians whose lands we are fortunate to live and work on and we pay our respects to all Elders past and present.

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