Senate Inquiry Reveals Systemic Failings in Addressing Domestic Violence ‘Epidemic’ Among Indigenous Women
Witnesses at the inquiry described how racial stereotyping and inadequate policing methods perpetuated violence against indigenous women.
A Senate inquiry revealed that First Nations women are about 12 times more likely than the national average to be murdered, highlighting failures across the social spectrum.
Organizations working to combat domestic, family, and sexual violence testified at the inquiry, which was prompted by a 2022 investigation by ABC’s Four Corners. This investigation brought to light 315 cases of Indigenous women who were either murdered or disappeared in unexplained circumstances over the past two decades.
The hearing in Darwin focused on finding solutions to the violence against Indigenous women and their children, given that the Northern Territory (NT) has the worst domestic violence rates in Australia.
A coronial inquiry following the deaths of four Indigenous NT women last year revealed a domestic violence “epidemic,” as stated by Coroner Elizabeth Armitage.
Assisting the judge was Counsel Peggy Dwyer, who highlighted the chronic underfunding of the sector and the generational neglect that exacerbates the problem.
Experts highlighted a myriad of failings that perpetuate violence against Indigenous women in the NT, with inadequate policing, lack of cultural understanding, and racial stereotyping being significant factors.
Family and sexual violence researcher Chay Brown emphasized the underreporting of offenses and the lack of trust in law enforcement, impacting the accurate representation of the issue.
Various speakers at the inquiry pointed out deficiencies in critical areas such as safe houses, Indigenous language interpreters, and men’s behavior adjustment programs.
Efforts to address systemic failings led to amendments in relevant laws to better tackle domestic violence, including the creation of new charges and increased access to rehabilitation programs.
In response to the urgent need to address the chronic rates of violence, the Federal Minister for Women allocated significant funding to boost frontline services in the Northern Territory.
