• Understanding and addressing the connection between violence and drug and alcohol addiction.
For years, First Nations women have emphasised the connection between violence and drug and alcohol
misuse. This was most recently evidenced with the lifting of alcohol restrictions in the Northern Territory
which saw Alice Springs Police report 54 incidents of domestic violence within 48 hours of the ban being
lifted.48 Women want to see a significant and urgent investment in culturally-safe and trauma-informed
drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres and hubs for both men and women, that centres connection to
culture and Country. Particularly for women as primary carers, rehabilitation models must be child and
family-focused and provide maternal wrap-around supports to improve the mental health of women and
children and prevent poor pregnancy outcomes such as FASD. 49
•
Ensuring policy and practice keeps pace with the use of technology.
Although there has been less research into the experience of online abuse for First Nations women,
there is some evidence that points to high rates of technology facilitated abuse directed at Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander women from regional and remote areas. Low digital literacy rates, social
networks that make it easier for a perpetrator to target women, and lack of culturally appropriate and
accessible services all contribute to First Nations women in remote areas being at increased risk of
experiencing technology facilitated abuse.50
• Address discriminatory media reporting of First Nations women.
Women have spoken extensively about how the mainstream media has a significant role in reinforcing
damaging and false racialised gendered stereotype. First Nations women are not seen as legitimate
victims, rather as people unworthy of care or concern.51 Racial stereotypes can gain legitimacy in the
mainstream consciousness when they are reinforced through an authoritative combination of legal
mechanisms, government policy, news coverage and media reporting. These attitudes seep into the
public mind and make acceptable the increased racial profiling of, and judgemental and abusive
behaviour toward, First Nations women by bystanders, the police and those delivering services. The
ability of women to seek help and be believed, is also undermined and threatened by pervasive negative
reporting in the media.
Wiyi Yani U Thangani • First Nations Women’s Safety Policy Forum • Outcomes Report | 38