Aboriginal families across the State will benefit from a $500,000 three-year program to stop family violence.
The initiative is to reduce violent crime against Aboriginal women, which has the potential to threaten the future of whole communities. For example, research shows that an Aboriginal woman in the Kimberley area is 33 times more likely to be murdered than the average Australian.
The Department for Community Development (DCD) program, announced today, provides grants to help Aboriginal communities develop locally and culturally-appropriate strategies.
Examples of projects which could qualify included the development of spoken-word cassettes in specific local Aboriginal languages, the production of visual material such as short videos, and the adapting of existing printed material to include specific local information. Grants could also be provided to organise forums, such as workshops, conferences and seminars to discuss local domestic violence issues and solutions.
Family and Community Development Minister Eric Ripper today launched the Aboriginal Family Violence Community Grants Program.
"Family violence is a major problem throughout the Western Australian community, but is having a devastating impact on Aboriginal people in this State," the Minister said.
"This new program is part of a strategy against family violence which includes planned legislation, which will be brought to Parliament, to strengthen police powers in dealing with the problem."
The Minister said the integral involvement of Aboriginal people was a key to preventing Aboriginal family violence. The program would assist Aboriginal communities to develop strategies relevant to their specific needs.
"The Government's philosophy is to work in co-operative partnership with local communities, to help them develop specific local solutions to social problems," Mr Ripper said.
Applications for the one-off project grants could be made to the Department for Community Development and the closing date was Friday, March 12, 1993. Aboriginal regional employees of the DCD would consult and liaise with ATSIC Regional Councils and key Aboriginal Women's groups for funding assessment. The Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority would monitor the implementation and outcomes of the program.
