Where possible Aboriginal people should be given the option of using an Aboriginal or mainstream service. For reasons of ‘shame’ or privacy, Aboriginal people may, or may not want to speak to an Aboriginal worker.
Disclosure about domestic violence is always difficult, but services should be especially aware of the many historical and contemporary factors that may create barriers for Aboriginal people accessing services. Non-Aboriginal workers can help overcome some of these barriers by undertaking cultural competency training and learning about and liaising with their local Aboriginal communities.
The Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) employs Aboriginal workers and Aboriginal clients can ask to speak to them if they prefer.
“Domestic violence refers to a relationship where one person tries to overcome and control another. Family Violence refers to violence between parents, uncles, aunties, children, cousins and grandparents. It arises from poverty, disempowerment and breakdown of culture” – “Through Young Black Eyes” SNAICC Resource Services, 2007
“Like all genuinely mutual and productive relationships, engagements with Aboriginal communities need to be based on respect” – “Working with Aboriginal People and Communities- A Practice Resource” Aboriginal Services Branch, NSW DoCS, 2009
Aboriginal Services
ABORIGINAL FAMILY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE • 1800 019 123
ABORIGINAL HOSPITAL LIAISON OFFICERS
NEPEAN HOSPITAL ABORIGINAL WOMEN AND CHILDREN • 02 4734 2669
NEPEAN HOSPITAL ABORIGINAL LIAISON (GENERAL) • 02 4734 2670
MT DRUITT HOSPITAL Switchboard • 02 9625 1555
GREATER WESTERN ABORIGINAL HEALTH SERVICE • 02 9832 1356
2 Palmerston Road, Mt. Druitt Village
Provides holistic healthcare to Aboriginal people. Services include: domestic violence services, General Practitioners, Dental Services, Psychiatric support, Mums and Bubs support, Drug and Alcohol support.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LINE • 1800 656 463
NEPEAN COMMUNITY & NEIGHBOURHOOD SERVICES • 02 4721 8520
Groups such as Koori Cuppa and Koori Playgroups as well as Aboriginal Brighter Futures Program.
Several locations including Glenmore Park, South Penrith, North Penrith and Cranebrook.
DV WEST • 02 4732 2318
Aboriginal Accommodation and Support Service. (Wirrawee Aboriginal Women’s DV Refuge)
WARRINGA BAIYA ABORIGINAL WOMEN’S LEGAL RESOURCE CENTRE • 02 9569 3847
WOMEN’S LEGAL SERVICE - INDIGENOUS WOMEN’S LINE • 02 8745 6977