Koori Family Violence Support Program Melbourne Magistrates Court. Kate Walker 2012

Transcription

1 Koori Family Violence Support Program Melbourne Magistrates Court Kate Walker 2012

2 Today s Presentation Barriers For Aboriginal people Seeking help through the Courts, Police and Government Agencies Koori Family Violence Support Program at the Melbourne Magistrates Court, how and why it came to be My role as the Koori Women s Family Violence Support Worker

3 Nationally Aboriginal women compared to Non Aboriginal women are forty times more likely to be victims of family violence 35.1 times more likely to be hospitalised by a family violence incident 18.3 per cent have experienced physical abuse or been threatened with violence in the past twelve months compared to 7 per cent of Non Aboriginal women. Consider that Aboriginal people make up 2 % of the Australian population. Statistics are significant.

4 Barriers to Accessing Help We know that Aboriginal family violence is a sensitive and complex subject. Much of it goes unreported. I believe that these are some of the reasons why:

5 Shame associated with the violence, keeping it behind closed doors. It s my fault Fear of consequences of reporting and will it make it worse Family and Cultural pressures to keep the family together. Community backlash. Confidentiality, the Victorian Aboriginal community is very small and it is common for people to be connected in some welfare services. Families can be ostracised from the community and or services Community tolerance of violence

6 Inherited fear of approaching the police, government agencies and Courts Will I be believed, low self esteem and an intense fear of the Court process. Will my children be taken away? Will Department of Human Services become instantly involved? Will people dealing with me understand me culturally and deal with me in a sensitive way? Will I be arrested if I have any outstanding warrants or fines?

7 Where do I go? Access to housing, children s schooling Language and literacy barriers My experiences working with Aboriginal clients is that often they can be shy, frightened, overwhelmed and just want to get out of court quickly. Often agree just to get out of court.

8 My Role as the Koori Women s Family Violence Support Worker Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement Aims Unique Male and Female Support Worker To provide culturally sensitive support and court advice. Who we help Department of Justice defines a Koori as any Aboriginal who lives within Victoria. I will be using Koori in this context.

9 Barriers within the Courts Asking the identifying question Easy as asking someone s name Do you mind if I ask you whether you identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait islander? I often go on to say the reason why I am asking.

10 What we have done in our Court Posters Australian Aboriginal Map in all our interview rooms Have a secluded waiting room that we have decorated in a friendly way, as well as an office Running cultural awareness training sessions days for our staff Raising the level of Aboriginality within our Courts Welcome Aboriginal people to feel proud walking through the door and that they are going to be treated with respect and their culture recognised.

11 Case Studies I was introduced to the woman by the Koori Liaison Officer who was at the time supporting the male. He was in custody at this stage. The woman was cradling a tiny baby, paralysed with fear, fear of staying and fear of leaving. I was able to help her with Court support, emotional support and secondary consultation.

12 Linked her in with the Aboriginal Family Violence prevention and Legal Service I referred to her to a local Aboriginal Co-Op local to her where she could access counselling and medical support Real Estate Agent Relocation Proof of Aboriginality Liaised with Department of Human Services and the police, as they often spoke in terms that she didn t understand.

13 I witnessed her gain her strength and survive against all odds What made working with this women easy was that she was willing to follow through on my referrals.

14 Summary We are here to support our families to keep them safe We are encouraging Aboriginals to seek help through the Courts and will support them through the process. Working very hard to break the cycle of family violence Recognise and promote that family violence is not part of our culture Courts are here to assist and work in conjunction with the police to assist our communities. Success of the program

15 Contacts Kate Walker Ashley Morris Thank you

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