The National FVPLS Forum was established in May 2012 and is the National Peak Body for Family Violence Prevention Legal Services (FVPLS) around Australia that provide culturally safe and holistic services to First Nations people affected by family violence – predominantly women and children. The National FVPLS Forum provides expert national policy advice in areas of policy, planning and law reform, and advocates for safety and justice for First Nations people affected by family violence.
Rates of violence against First Nations women are 34 times higher than other women in Australia, and up to 80 times in the worst areas of the country
Three (3) in five (5) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have experienced physical or sexual violence. First Nations women are also 34 times more likely to be hospitalized due to family violence than non-indigenous women and 11 times more likely to die due to assault (AIHW 2019 p.113). Family violence is also the primary driver of First Nations children into out-of-home care, and 88% of Aboriginal children in care have experienced family violence. Family violence has been associated with various negative health impacts, including higher rates of miscarriage, pre-term birth and low birthweight, depression, anxiety, suicide and other long-term health consequences for women and children (AIHW 2019 p.115).
The scale of the problem is much greater than this, however, because it is known that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are less likely than other women to report family violence or to seek support because of judgment, discrimination, shame or fear. The health and wellbeing of First Nations children depends upon the safety and resilience of First Nations women and families, so addressing family violence is a central priority in eliminating inter-generational disadvantage and discrimination against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia.
The National Forum works with its FVPLS members, communities, governments and other partners to raise awareness about family violence effecting First Nations people, and to advocate for culturally safe legal and other holistic responses to this issue. The National Forum provides a unified voice for its FVPLS members in areas of national policy, planning and law reform, and being a member of the national Coalition of Peaks, the National Forum is committed to the national Closing the Gap targets, including Target 13:
- “Target 13: By 2031, the rate of all forms of family violence and abuse against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children is reduced at least by 50%, as progress towards zero.”
Read more about the Closing The Gap Targets and the Priority Reforms of the National Agreement.
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The recommendations made in the landmark report of the inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women and children must be actioned if there is to be any justice for First Nations communities and their families.
Do you receive an income support payment like JobSeeker or Youth Allowance? @ACOSS wants to hear from you! Complete this 10-minute survey about the adequacy or otherwise of these payments. https://efcee0ql45h.typeform.com/to/VmASJNDS
We're looking for an independent director with a passion for finance and a drive to make a difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by domestic, family, and sexual violence. For more info & to apply, contact our CEO Kerry Staines at ceo@fnaafv.org.au
The Productivity Commission’s latest data report on the progress of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap is concerning for our women and children effected by domestic, family, and sexual violence. Read our full response to the report below: ...https://fnaafv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/MEDIAR1.pdf
We're excited to share that today marks a significant milestone in the history of the NFVPLS Forum - the unveiling of our new brand identity and renewed purpose as Australia's only Aboriginal community-controlled, national domestic violence peak body. ...https://fnaafv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fact-Sheet_FNAAFV-Rebrand-July-2024.pdf
The Federal Government’s Budget commitment of $8.6million to support pay parity for Family Violence Prevention and Legal Services (FVPLS) is welcome relief for a sector hampered by workforce issues.
#FederalBudget2024
...https://nationalfvpls.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NFVPLS-Media-Release_Pay-Parity-Funds-Welcome-Relief-for-FVPLS-Sector_May-2024.pdf
We’ve been crystal clear on our critical ask from the #FederalBudget: an additional $60million/year into core funding + a minimum term of 5-year contracts to be shared across all FVPLS providers. ...https://nationalfvpls.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/NFVPLS-Media-Release_Peak-Body-Calls-For-Critical-Funds-From-Federal-Budget_May-2024.pdf
It was a privilege to be invited to attend the inaugural National Family Violence Symposium hosted by Chief Justice of the Federal Court and Family Court of Australia, the Honorable William Alstergren, in Naarm, Melbourne last week.
The National Forum acknowledges and respects the traditional custodians whose lands we are fortunate to live and work on and we pay our respects to all Elders past and present.
