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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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This month, Queenslanders unite for Domestic Violence Prevention Month under the theme: "Take positive action today to build a safer Queensland." This call to action reminds us that every individual, community group, and organisation has a role in ending domestic, family, and sexual ...violence (DFSV).

As a national peak body representing the Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services sector, we stand with our Queensland member services Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service and Aboriginal Family Legal Services Queensland in amplifying this message. They know first-hand the devastating effects that DFSV has on our First Nations communities and are on the ground providing victims and survivors of violence with specialised, and culturally safe representation and support.

This year, Queenslanders are being called upon to reaffirm their commitment to challenge the harmful attitudes and behaviours that allow disrespect toward women and gender inequality to endure in our communities.

Find ways to get involved this month, via www.qld.gov.au/dfvpmonth

Whether you're attending a local event, sharing resources, or having conversations that matter, your positive action makes a difference.

#FVPLS #FNAAFV #DFVPreventionMonth #EndDomesticViolence

The FNAAFV team has welcomed a new member, with Tahlia-Rose Vanissum joining us as our new Strategic Director.

Tahlia-Rose brings a wealth of knowledge, lived experience, and leadership in Indigenous feminism, data sovereignty, intersectionality, gendered justice, disability rights, and ...family violence prevention to her role with FNAAFV.

Tahlia-Rose is a proud Woppaburra woman with disability, a Traditional Owner of the Keppel Islands, a carer, and a victim-survivor of family violence. She has worked across government, community, and research sectors to strengthen policies, programs, and responses for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, girls, and mob with disability. Her expertise spans intersectional policy reform, systemic change, organisational governance, and community-led practice. Her lived experience continues to shape her advocacy and fuels her commitment to building systems that uphold safety, justice, and healing for our people.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining the FNAAFV/FVPLS family and to do whatever I can to support our members in the powerful work they’re already doing. It’s an honour to walk alongside some of the most staunch, inspiring people in our communities. I can’t wait to meet you all, to listen, learn, grow, and keep building on the strong foundations already laid.” – Tahlia-Rose Vanissum.

We’re excited for the clarity, strength, and insight she will bring to her role and are so proud to have her join our team.

#FVPLS #FNAAFV #EndDomesticViolence #ClosingTheGap

Congratulations Corina on your much-deserved nomination! We know how much you put into supporting your communities through the Aboriginal Family Legal Services - you're already a winner in our eyes 🎉🏆

On Domestic Violence Remembrance Day, we honour and remember the lives of the many First Nations women who have been tragically lost to domestic and family violence.

We stand in grief and solidarity with their families, communities, and all those impacted by this ongoing crisis.

...As we light a candle in their memory, we renew our commitment to systemic change—to ending violence, demanding accountability, and ensuring culturally safe, accessible support for women and children.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please reach out. Our member services are here to offer support.

#LightACandle2025 #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.

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