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) began operating as a standalone incorporated identity under the new company structure, strategic plan, name, and brand identity of First Nations Advocates Against Family Violence (FNAAFV).
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.
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:
- “Target 13: By 2031, the rate of all forms of family violence and abuse against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children is reduced at least by 50%, as progress towards zero.”
- Read more about the Closing The Gap Targets and the Priority Reforms of the National Agreement. The Government's response to Target 13 can be found here.
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
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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It’s time to strengthen Australia’s Disability Discrimination Act.
FNAAFV has joined legal and advocacy partners calling for reforms that actually prevent discrimination and deliver real remedies for people with disability.
What we’re backing:
• A positive duty on ...organisations to eliminate disability discrimination
• Modern regulatory powers for the AHRC so enforcement isn’t left to individuals
• A clear duty to make timely, practical adjustments in education, work and essential services
• Legal tests that focus on the real-world effects of discrimination and recognise intersectional harm
• Stronger Disability Standards, better data and accountability, and investment in legal assistance
Read the joint statement and see all signatories here: https://nationallegalaid.org.au/news/dda-reforms
#DisabilityRights #DDAReview #Inclusion #AccessToJustice #HumanRights #AusPol
Last week, FNAAFV’s CEO Kerry Staines and Strategic Director Tahlia-Rose Vanissum attended the SNAICC National Conference in Meanjin (Brisbane). It was a powerful week connecting with our sector partners and community leaders dedicated to improving outcomes for First Nations children and ...families, including those experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.
Highlights included hearing from our member organisation, NPY Women's Council, about their inspiring Anangu Superheroes Project, and hearing about the barriers experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families accessing legal supports presented by Nerita Wright from Victorian Aboriginal Legal Services.
We’re grateful to #SNAICC for bringing together so many deadly voices from across the country to share knowledge, celebrate culture, and strengthen our collective advocacy for First Nations children. 💜
#FNAAFV #SNAICCConference #Meanjin #FirstNationsLeadership #CommunityControlled
Today is World Mental Health Day. ❤️
Looking after our mob’s mental health is about more than providing support services — it’s about culture, connection and walking alongside each other.
Across our network, our members continuously step up to support our communities to... self determine their healing and provide safe spaces for their communities. For example, Binaal Billa Family Violence Prevention Legal Service in New South Wales offers Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid, helping communities yarn about mental health in ways that make sense for them.
This day is a reminder: caring for our minds makes our whole community stronger.
Learn more about Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid here: https://binaalbilla.com.au/programs/
💬 If you’re doing it tough, you’re not alone. You can talk to 13YARN (13 92 76) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) for free, confidential support.
#Communitystrong #Endfamilyviolence #Closingthegap #FNAAFV #FVPLS #Stopfamilyviolence #Firstnationsadvocacy #Genderbasedviolence #Culturalsafety #Firstnationsvoices #Familyviolenceprevention #WorldMentalHealthDay
Help shape victims’ rights in Queensland.
The Office of the Victims’ Commissioner is reviewing Queensland’s Charter of Victims’ Rights for the first time since 2017.
If you’ve been affected by crime, or if you’re supporting someone who has, this is your chance to share... your experiences and help improve support for victims across the state. Complete the survey or make a submission: https://victimscommissioner.engagementhub.com.au/
#VictimsRightsQLD #HaveYourSay #QueenslandCommunity
FNAAFV was proud to be at this week’s ACOSS ACT Community Sector NAIDOC Event, standing alongside our sector sisters at the Women's Legal Centre ACT and Sisters In Spirit Aboriginal Corporation.
Our Strategic Director, Tahlia-Rose Vanissum (pictured far right with members of the ...Mullleun Mura Team), was there showing support and celebrating the strong services that walk with our women.
The Mulleun Mura Program at Women’s Legal Centre ACT provides free legal support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Through their partnership with Legal Aid ACT, Sisters in Spirit are also expanding wrap-around supports and pathways for First Nations women in the ACT to access free legal advice and court support in the ACT.
Strong women, strong services, strong communities. 💜
#ACTNAIDOC #FNAAFV #SistersInSpirit #MulleunMura #LegalAid #CommunityLegalCentres #FreeLegalHelp
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.
