8. A review of current data collection on family violence and violence against First Nations
women and children, and the development of a strategic approach to gather meaningful data
on family violence, determined by First Nations women.
The governance mechanisms established under Recommendation 4 should also extend to the collection,
use and analysis of First Nations data. This is to ensure that First Nations people are the custodians of
First Nations data, but also that it can be input into strategic policy in a way that is meaningful and
effective. Forum participants spoke to the limitations of existing data sources to understand the scope of
the problem and what works to prevent violence, as well as the inadequacy of indicators under Target 13
that only consider physical violence and does not consider other forms of violence.
In practice, this would require a commitment to expansion of National data collection, including the
Personal Safety Survey, to ensure greater representation of First Nations women, children, those with
disability and LGBTIQA+SB people.
9. Plans consider the interrelationship between state, territory and Commonwealth
governments to promote policy and legislative reforms where there are shared
responsibilities.
In addition to addressing the systemic drivers of violence, such as race, gender and the impacts of
colonisation (a process both historical and ongoing), the standalone National Plan must promote policy
and legislative reforms across state, territory and Commonwealth governments that reinforce and
contribute to violence experienced by First Nations women, children, those with disability and
LGBTIQA+SB people. Of critical importance for attention is the criminal justice system, implementation
of recommendations to harmonise family and domestic violence definitions and laws, child removal and
Child Protection practices, and incarceration of First Nations women.
Wiyi Yani U Thangani • First Nations Women’s Safety Policy Forum • Outcomes Report | 43