Understanding and addressing gender-based violence: an Australian Indigenous approach

ABSTRACT

Addressing the gendered dimensions of family violence is central to preventing violence against women (PVAW). What is seen as more important for Indigenous PVAW programmes, however, is situating gender-based violence within the broader context of colonial violence. In this paper, the significance of this focus is highlighted through a case study of a healing and behavioural change programmefor young Indigenous men within Victoria (Australia). Drawing on the voices of two leading facilitators, the paper examines how this program recognizes and responds to the ongoing impacts of colonisation on the lives of its young Indigenous male participants. It details the significance of safe relations and spaces as requisite for healing the trauma of young Indigenous Australian men towards addressing their perpetuation of gender-based and other forms of violence.

KEYWORDS:

• Gender-based violence
• Indigenous young men
• Indigenous programs
• colonization
• healing

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Funding

Research for this study was supported by a program grant from the Victorian State Government, through the Centre for Resilient and Inclusive Societies (CRIS).

Notes on contributors

Amanda Keddie

Amanda Keddie is a Professor of Education at Deakin University. Her research examines the processes, practices and conditions that can impact on the pursuit of social justice in education settings. Amanda’s qualitative research has been based within the Australian, English and American schooling contexts and is strongly informed by feminist theory.

Maria Delaney

Maria Delaney is a researcher and consultant who works with community sector and education organizations to design and facilitate professional development for the primary prevention of violence against women, including in respectful relationships education. She takes an intersectional, trauma-informed and healing-centred approach to her work.

Ben McVeigh

Ben McVeigh is a youth facilitator and mentor at Dardi Munwurro and manages the Bramung Jarrn program for 3 years. Ben has qualifications in Family Violence and Aboriginal healing and Health Sciences and has a strong passion for the Aboriginal social movement and justice. Ben has a great connection to the Aboriginal community with years of experience working and living in Ngaanyatjarra lands and on Wiradjuri and Bunurong counties. Ben is able to place himself in the community with proficiency and ease, given the learnings and teachings he’s received from Indigenous elders as well as the community itself. He has an extensive understanding of working in a culturally respectful and safe way through his advocacy, personal experiences, relationship building abilities.

Jaylon Thorpe

Jaylon Thorpe is a proud Yuin Gunaikunai YortaYorta Wotjobaluk DjaDja Wurrung Man. He is emerging leader who under the guidance of his elders supports young Indigenous men to strengthen their cultural identity through promoting traditional practices, in the process of healing and decolonization and addressing family violence. Jaylon is a youth facilitator and mentor at Dardi Munwurro where he role models how traditional values, knowledge, and Lore can be incorporated into daily life to promote healing, connection, and strengthen identity with the young Ingenious men that he mentors in urban environments.