Three overarching principles underpin and guide everything we do:
We are committed to Aboriginal self-determination. This will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be culturally strong, safe and free from violence. We will partner with Aboriginal communities as they determine, design and implement solutions. In addition, we will support broader government services to be culturally safe for Aboriginal people. This will help redress the discrimination that stems from colonisation.
Dhelk Dja – a partnership with Aboriginal communities to address family violence
Dhelk Dja: Safe Our Way – Strong Culture, Strong Peoples, Strong Families, is an Aboriginal-led agreement to address family violence in Aboriginal communities.
We value lived experience. People with experience of family and sexual violence are at the heart of our work. They also help shape it. More than anyone else, they understand the effects of this violence. They know what it is like to seek help, rebuild and recover. We must – and will – continue to listen to them. We will provide meaningful opportunities for people with lived experience to guide our approach, including through the Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council.[1]
Family Violence Lived Experience Strategy
The strategy calls on government and the sector to embed lived experience across the full spectrum of family and sexual violence reform.
We include all Victorians and address their diverse needs. Family violence and sexual violence intersect with other experiences of inequality and discrimination. These include inequality because of a person’s age, gender, sex, sexuality, ability, ethnicity, culture, language, religion, visa status, caring responsibilities, geographic location or socioeconomic status. When inequality occurs because of more than one of these factors, it is usually worse. We will continue to tailor our policies and programs, so they are effective for a diverse range of Victorians.
Everybody Matters: Inclusion and Equity Statement
The statement sets out the Victorian Government’s 10-year vision for a family violence system that is more inclusive, safe, responsive and accountable.
These are our unwavering commitments, and they will continue to evolve to reflect what we learn over time. This includes in the context of Victoria’s Treaty and truth-telling process and the Yoorrook Justice Commission.[2]
Footnotes
[1] In 2016, we established the Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council to give people with lived experience of family violence a formal voice and provided opportunities for consultation on government policies and programs relating to family violence.
[2] Victoria's formal truth-telling process, the Yoorrook Justice Commission (the Commission), is also under way. The Commission is gathering evidence on the systemic injustice faced by First Peoples in Victoria. This includes in relation to the child protection and criminal justice systems. The Commission will make bold recommendations for transformational change, including to support Victoria’s Treaty-making process.
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