Improving Services for Aboriginal Women Experiencing Sexual Violence: Working at the Knowledge Interface

ABSTRACT

Aboriginal women experiencing sexual violence may not always access support services when needed, nor receive the most appropriate support when they do. Recent research suggests place-based, Aboriginal-led initiatives to respond to family and sexual violence in Aboriginal communities offer the best chance for developing effective responses. This article describes an innovative participatory action research project aiming to improve service delivery for Aboriginal women from the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) region in remote central Australia. Over a series of workshops co-researchers worked intensively at the interface of knowledge systems creating a unique and safe space for exploring this issue. The process elicited learnings that have the potential to transform practice and was itself a trauma-informed healing opportunity for participants. The project was led by Aboriginal women who wished to share what was done so that others may benefit from working in this way.

IMPLICATIONS

• Participatory action research can be an effective approach to improving service delivery for Aboriginal women who have experienced sexual violence.

• By working at the cultural and knowledge interface of Aboriginal and Western standpoints, and utilising contextually relevant means of engagement, deeper understandings of sexual violence and healing are the result for participants.

• Deeper intercultural understandings have the potential to lead to innovations in service delivery.

KEYWORDS:

• Participatory Action Research
• Sexual Violence
• Aboriginal Women
• Knowledge Interface
• Healing
• Intercultural Understanding
• Indigenous Research Methods
• Northern Territory
• Australia

Acknowledgements

The authors of this article wish to thank the following co-researchers and project staff—co-researchers: W.M.L., A.I.M., R.W.K., and other Anangu co-researchers (including members of the Uti Kulintjaku Team, NPY Women’s Council) who have chosen not to be named; A. Brady, D. Brown, Louise O’Connor, Leni Shilton (DFVS staff, NPY Women’s Council); and Kate Francis (Psychotherapist); and project staff: Beth Sometimes (Interpreter); Emma Trenorden (Uti Kulintjaku Team Project Officer, NPY Women’s Council); and Angela Lynch (Ngangkari Program Manager, NPY Women’s Council). Anangu co-researchers have chosen not to be named as coauthors or in the acknowledgements due to the sensitive and personal nature of the topic. Some agreed to be acknowledged as a co-researcher by using a partial name or their initials. However, they wish the article to be read as representing the collective voice of all participants.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 The three language groups of the region.

2 Aboriginal people from the NPY region.

3 We use the terms “Aboriginal” and “Indigenous” interchangeably to reflect the range of preferences throughout Australia.

4 Quotes are attributed to either Anangu or non-Aboriginal co-researchers.

5 See https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/awaye/traditional-healers-meditating-in-language/10750126

6 Non-Aboriginal person

7 Senior women

8 Traditional story, creation story and law, ancient knowledge

9 Non-Aboriginal people

10 This phrase was used by a senior Anangu co-researcher in a meeting of the research group in 2021 where the issue of publication of this work was discussed.

Additional information

Funding

The project was funded by the former Northern Territory Government Department of Territory Families and the former South Australian Department of Communities and Social Inclusion.