Indigenous Family Violence Program
- Introduction
- Family Violence Partnership Program (FVPP)
- Family Violence Regional Activities Program (FVRAP)
- Courage Partners Report
Introduction
There is no issue currently causing more destruction to the fabric of Indigenous communities than family violence. This has been acknowledged by all levels of government in recent years, with a number of significant inquiries and initiatives undertaken at the Federal, State and Territory level to address its impact.The term family violence better reflects the Indigenous communities understanding of violence, as family violence is broader than the usual mainstream definition of domestic violence.
Family violence involves any use of force, be it physical or non-physical, which is aimed at controlling another family or community member and which undermines that person's well-being. It can be directed towards an individual, family, community or particular group.
Addressing family violence is a shared responsibility between all levels of government with prime responsibility resting with health and community service agencies in Commonwealth, State and Territory governments.
Family Violence Partnership Program (FVPP)
Family Violence Partnership Program (FVPP) builds on the Commonwealth Government's commitment to tackling family violence and child abuse.Funding will be provided for projects and initiatives that aim to develop a sustainable reduction in, and prevention of, Indigenous family violence and child abuse through the enhancement of existing, or establishment of new services/initiatives, in partnership with States and Territories throughout Australia.
Originally announced as a four year lapsing program, the Government recently made FVPP ongoing, with an allocation of $10.3 million per annum.
Projects funded under FVPP work across the spectrum providing education and awareness of family violence through services to victims and perpetrators. These range from the establishment of safe houses, night patrols, counseling services, support workers, perpetrator programs and education programs.
FVPP aims to:
- 1. leverage greater action and commitment on the part of states and territories;
2. build on the Australian Government's commitment to tackling family violence in Indigenous communities;
3. develop local solutions to issues that contribute to violence, such as alcohol and drug use;
4. address causal factors to family violence, particularly socio-economic and participatory issues, to effect sustainable change; and
5. provide safe places and support for victims of family violence and child abuse.
Family Violence Regional Activities Program (FVRAP)
The Family Violence Regional Activities Program (FVRAP) aims to provide practical and flexible support for grassroots projects that have been identified by Indigenous communities as a local priority to address family violence, sexual assault and child abuse.FVRAP seeks to assist community-based organisations to achieve the following objectives and outcomes:
- 1. To build safer Indigenous families and communities by funding locally delivered targeted family violence initiatives to Indigenous communities.
2. To deliver culturally appropriate projects that address family violence initiatives in Indigenous communities.
FVRAP seeks to assist community-based organisations to achieve the following outcomes:
- 1. Reduce and prevent family violence, sexual assault and child abuse within Indigenous communities contributing to safer communities.
2. Raise awareness of family violence issues in Indigenous communities and contribute to positive changes in community attitudes and behaviour regarding family violence.
3. Increase access to services by providing culturally appropriate support services to those who are vulnerable to family violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
4. Increase skills of community members in understanding, preventing and responding appropriately to family violence and breaking the cycle of violence.
5. Increase the rate of reporting of incidences of family violence, sexual assault and child abuse in Indigenous communities.
Project activities that can be funded under FVRAP should clearly target one or more of the scope of interventions available when addressing family violence for example victims/perpetrators, children, women/men. Projects are not limited to one intervention but may take a holistic approach, for example provide education and awareness workshops, counselling for victims and provide a program for perpetrators.