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.
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.
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.
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As we bring our 16 Days of Activism campaign to a close, we extend our gratitude to our followers and everyone who listened, shared, and acted.
During the 16 days, we’ve highlighted the crucial work of our sector, shared some sobering statistics about the reality of the impact of ...domestic, family, and sexual violence (DFSV) on our communities, and called for increased and sustained investment of the ACCO sector who are specialists in DFSV support. By working together, we can help our mob to a healthier future that is ultimately free of violence.
But the journey doesn’t stop here just because the campaign is ending. The commitment to ending violence and promoting equality is a responsibility we carry every day.
🌟 What can you do next?
• Keep the conversations going—challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours.
• Support First Nations-led initiatives and organisations driving change.
• Take action by educating yourself and others about the issues impacting our communities.
#16DaysOfActivism #NoExcuse #GenderEquality #EndDomesticViolence #FVPLS #FNAAFV
Ensuring our communities have access to culturally safe legal support when affected by domestic, family, and sexual violence is paramount for our sector, and there are many ways they educate their communities on how they can get the support they need.
The team at the Queensland Indigenous... Family Violence Legal Service (QIFVLS) operates from five regional offices spread across Queensland, and service a vast number of communities from metropolitan centres to the state's most remote regions.
As their CEO Wynetta Dewis explains, “Lawyer and case management officer teams from each of these offices visit these communities on regular rotation, providing face-to-face education sessions and information on responding to domestic and family violence, and sexual abuse matters from a legal and support perspective. In our experience, this direct interaction is the most effective way to communicate the services that are available to anyone impacted by DFV, and to build trust within communities.”
Established in 2009, QIFVLS is a First Nations-controlled organisation that provides legal and non-legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders affected by domestic and family violence, and sexual assault. QIFVLS’ services include: Child Protection / Child Safety; Domestic and Family Violence (DVO/Protection Orders); Family Law; Victim Assist Claims; Witness Assistance Law; Victim Support / Register (Sexual Assault); Torres Strait Island or Traditional Customary Child Rearing Practices; Representation in court; the provision of information to a client about their legal rights and responsibilities. QIFVLS also connects its clients with a range of support services and free counselling.
#16DaysOfActivism #NoExcuse #GenderEquality #EndDomesticViolence #FVPLS #FNAAFV
While our sector is all too familiar with the human impact of domestic, family, and sexual violence on our communities, the financial costs are just as devastating. On this 14th day of the 16 Days of Activism, we shine a light on what violence against women and children in Australia actually costs,... courtesy of research compiled by UN Women Australia.
#16DaysOfActivism #NoExcuse #GenderEquality #EndDomesticViolence #FVPLS #FNAAFV
#16DaysOfActivism #NoExcuse #GenderEquality #EndDomesticViolence #FVPLS #FNAAFV
We are proud to share that our CEO Kerry Staines has officially been appointed as a member of the re-established Administrative Review Council (ARC), which is an independent advisory body tasked with promoting better decision-making across government.
Congratulations Kerry! The Council is ...blessed to have such an inspiring leader and staunch advocate for individuals and community, onboard.
Kerry's 30 years of experience working across the community and human services sectors has highlighted the importance of influencing and contributing to proposed changes in legislation, policy, systems, structures, and reforms. Her wealth of experience has provided a deep understanding of the multifaceted impacts—financial, psychological, cultural, racial, health-related, legal, and environmental—that government decisions can have on individuals and communities.
“My roles have allowed me to actively engage in shaping policies and promote equitable outcomes. I am committed to advocating for changes that reflect the real needs and challenges faced by those significantly affected by government decisions.” – Kerry Staines.
The ARC was originally established under the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 and was described at its first meeting in 1977 by the then-Attorney-General described as a “watchdog for the citizen” and said that its role was “to ensure that our system of administrative review is as effective and significant in its protection of the citizen as it can be”.
In 2015, as part of the Smaller Government reforms, the ARC was discontinued, and its functions consolidated into the Attorney-General's Department. This year, the ARC was re-established under the ART Act. Its current functions, as set out in section 249 of the Act, are to:
• inquire into systemic challenges in administrative law
• monitor the performance of the Commonwealth administrative review system
• support education and training for Commonwealth officials.
#16DaysOfActivism #NoExcuse #GenderEquality #EndDomesticViolence #FVPLS #FNAAFV
Globally, every 10 minutes a woman is killed.*
As we continue to spread the critical message of the international 16 Days of Activism campaign to end gender-based violence against women and girls, we encourage you to pause for a brief minute and watch this powerful video from UN Women. ...
Then share it with your friends, family, colleagues and help spread the word that there is #NoExcuse for violence against women and girls.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8zzHhhpKa0
If you, or someone you know is affected by domestic, family, or sexual violence, our sector is here to help. The Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services sector offers specialist and culturally safe support to First Nations women by helping them escape abuse, get access to legal and holistic support, and rebuild safe lives for themselves and their children. You can find a service close to you here: https://fnaafv.org.au/fvpls-services/
#16DaysOfActivism #GenderEquality #EndDomesticViolence #FVPLS #FNAAFV
*UNWomen
On this 10th day of the 16 Days of Activism, we call on Government to take heed of the findings from the Northern Territory Coroner’s inquest into the devastating prevalence of domestic violence in the NT, and highlight the urgent need for systemic reform and increased investment in early ...intervention and prevention efforts.
The details of our request can be found in our latest media release here: https://fnaafv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Media-Release_NT-Coroners-Inquest-DFSV_Dec-2024.pdf
#16DaysOfActivism #NoExcuse #GenderEquality #EndDomesticViolence #FVPLS #FNAAFV
If you’re worried that a friend or family member may be experiencing domestic abuse, knowing how to support them can be a challenge.
The UN Women organisation, which created the international 16 Days of Activism campaign, has some helpful tips that could assist your loved one to find ...safety and support, here: https://www.unwomen.org/en/articles/faqs/faqs-the-signs-of-relationship-abuse-and-how-to-help
#16DaysOfActivism #NoExcuse #GenderEquality #EndDomesticViolence #FVPLS #FNAAFV
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.
