The Albanese Labor Government is progressing its work to help end family, domestic and sexual violence in one generation by investing more than $96 million in projects run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.
Delivering on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan 2023-2025, the Government will invest more than $96 million to fund new grant opportunities for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Organisations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.
The grant rounds will support immediate work to help end violence against First Nations women and children and are open for application from today through to February 16, 2024.
Indigenous women are 34 times more likely to be hospitalised because of violence than non-Indigenous women. They report three times as many incidents of sexual violence as non-Indigenous women and are more likely to be killed due to assault.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the grants would be important to increase the proportion of services delivered by First Nations organisations and grow the community-controlled sector.
“We know rates of family, domestic, and sexual violence in Australia is disproportionately high for First Nations women and children and the Government recognises the importance of culturally informed action, shaped by true partnerships with First Nations peoples,” Minister Rishworth said.
“We can do more to prevent violence by listening to people and ensuring that funding is getting to communities that need it.
“These grant rounds will provide immediate investment into prevention services programs and campaigns for First Nations women and children, establish additional men’s wellness centres across Australia and increase capacity of shelter and accommodation services for First Nations people.”
The grants will also help to progress Target 13 under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap 2020-2030, which aims to reduce all forms of violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children by at least 50 per cent by 2031.
“A key characteristic of these grant rounds is that they reflect this government’s commitment to work alongside and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The grants are designed, led, delivered, and evaluated by First Nations organisations in alignment with Priority Reform One and Two of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap,” Minister Rishworth said.
“Through a combined effort between the Government, First Nations communities, and the family, domestic, and sexual violence sector, we can ensure we can turn the tide on violence in our communities and provide safer, brighter futures for all Australians.”
The grants will support organisations across four immediate activities:
- Community-led Prevention Services, Programs and Campaigns for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children
- Community-led Men’s Wellness Centres for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Increasing Capacity of Crisis Accommodation Services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Programs in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Organisations
More information about Australian Government grants is available on the GrantsConnect website.
More information on The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 is available on the Department of Social Services website.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan is available on the Department of Social Services website.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via 1800RESPECT.org.au or text 0458 737 732. These services are available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au.