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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Hey you Mob,
This month Queensland is raising awareness about Sexual Violence.
Did you know that ANY sexual act performed without consent is sexual violence? Consent is a normal and necessary part of positive and healthy sexual experiences. It means you agree – no one can force... you to do anything sexual without your consent.
If you need support, our Queensland member services are here to help:
Aboriginal Family Legal Services Queensland
Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service
You can also reach out to these 24/7 helplines for confidential support:
• 13YARN (13 92 76) — Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line
• 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) — National sexual assault, domestic & family violence counselling service
Let’s talk about this with each other and seek support when needed. Sexual violence is never ok and support is always available.
Sexual violence is not to be tolerated in our communities!
This is amazing news - congrats Leticia and your talented team at Yirra Miya! We couldn't have brought our new brand identity and story to life without your professionalism, cultural knowledge and all-round awesomeness 🤩
Register your interest in joining the FNAAFV Community of Practice & attend our October meeting.
Our national Community of Practice is growing, and you’re invited to join the more than 150 members whose shared goal is to create alliances and networks aimed at reducing violence in ...our communities, in line with Target 13 of Closing the Gap National Agreement.
Driven and led by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), the group is establishing a broad, inclusive partnership with ACCOs and grassroots mainstream services committed to building the capacity of the sector to work together on the 4 Priority Reforms of the Closing the Gap.
Each month the group gathers online to learn from each other, share solutions, ideas, legislative changes and challenges to work together to address family violence in our communities. At each meeting we will hear from an expert in their field.
This month our Community of Practice guest speaker is @Shenane Hogg, a proud Torres Strait Islander and South Sea Islander woman who grew up on Dharawal Country. Shenane brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her work, having sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) through family and domestic violence.
She is the Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Community Liaison Officer, raising awareness about TBI—including concussion—particularly in the context of FDV. Shenane also co-designs culturally safe resources with mob and delivers neuro-community outreach in partnership with Huntington’s Australia, supporting people in rural and remote communities.
Shenane will share Connectivity’s first culturally safe TBI resources and talk about:
• How TBI caused by violence often goes undiagnosed and unsupported
• How culturally relevant resources help communities recognise symptoms and take action
• Why cultural safety is key to ensuring messages are trusted and acted on
📆Date: Thursday, October 2
⏰Time: 11:30am – 12:45pm AEST
📍REGISTER your interest in joining our Community of Practice and attend the next meeting: https://firstnationsadvocatesagainstfamilyviolence.snapforms.com.au/form/fnaafv-community-of-practice-registration
#ClosingTheGap #FNAAFV #FVPLS #stopfamilyviolence #firstnationsadvocacy #genderbasedviolence #culturalsafety #CommunityLeadership #FirstNationsVoices #communityofpractice #FamilyViolencePrevention
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.
