Violence against women and their children persists in all communities across Australia. At the same time, First Nations women experience significantly higher rates of violence than the general population, perpetrated by men from many different cultural backgrounds.
This violence has never been a part of traditional First Nations cultures. The ongoing impacts of colonisation and systemic racism intersect with the gendered drivers of men’s violence against women, creating an environment where First Nations women, their children and families experience disproportionate rates of violence.
How can we prevent this violence?
The solutions to end this violence lie with First Nations women, people and organisations. We all need to listen to them, and work together to address the gendered drivers, racism and ongoing impacts of colonisation that perpetuate and intensify this violence.
Evidence shows us that solutions should be Aboriginal-led, strengths-based, holistic and include:
- healing intergenerational trauma
- supporting Aboriginal women’s strength and power
- strengthening cultural identity
- working with men in all communities to support healthy and respectful relationships and promote healthy masculinities
- challenging racism and disrespect
- challenging the gendered drivers of violence in a way that is culturally safe.
One of the best ways to challenge racism, violence and discrimination is to listen and amplify what First Nations people – women especially – are saying. With listening and learning comes greater empathy, solidarity and respect. Greater understanding and knowledge can also help you to amplify First Nations’ voices and call out racism and disrespect when you see it.
As Djirra CEO Antoinette Braybrook said at the 2023 National Reconciliation Week Oration: “Aboriginal women are not and have not been silent. We have been silenced, disbelieved, and our lives not valued. Are you listening?”
Books and podcasts to support your learning
Building on seminal must-reads by authors and academics like Aileen Moreton-Robinson and Sally Morgan, this list is full of recommendations from more recent publications – maybe something you haven’t had the chance to read or listen to yet!
Recent books by First Nations authors
- The Body Country – Susie Anderson
- The Visitors – Jane Harrison
- Returning – Kirli Saunders
- Right Story, Wrong Story – Tyson Yunkaporta
- Edenglassie – Melissa Lucashenko
First Nations books for kids and younger readers
- For 60,000 Years – Marlee Jade Silva
- Welcome to Country – Aunty Joy Murphy
- Walk With Us: Welcome to Our Country – Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing
- In My Blood It Runs – Dujuan Hoosan, Margaret Anderson and Carol Turner
- Common Wealth – Gregg Dreise
- The First Scientists: Deadly Inventions and Innovations from Australia’s First Peoples – Corey Tutt
Podcasts by First Nations voices
- BlakCast is Australia’s first podcasting network that’s owned and led by First Nations people. Launched in 2023, it shares stories and conversations with the aim to celebrate Indigenous knowledge, and to support empathy and connection between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Check out its six (and counting!) programs.
- Blak Matters
- First Things First