The NSW Government has announced a new culturally safe support program under the Staying in Community Leaving Violence (SiCLV) initiative to strengthen support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children escaping abuse in regional and remote areas.
Two Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations will deliver SiCLV in Western NSW and the mid-North Coast:
- Maranguka Ltd in Bourke LGA
- Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service in Kempsey and Nambucca LGA.
Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service CEO, Paul Morris said the corporation was proud to be selected as the local provider of the Staying in Community Leaving Violence Program across the Kempsey and Nambucca areas.
“As a community-controlled organisation with deep cultural and community connections, Durri is committed to delivering culturally safe, trauma-informed support that keeps Aboriginal women and families strongly connected to Country and live free from violence,” he said.
Maranguka CEO, Kate Pargeter said her team supports local collaboration across agencies, community stakeholders and emerging working groups focused on improving outcomes for children, young people and families in Bourke.
“Through this work, Maranguka continues to strengthen coordinated responses and community-led approaches that support safer and more effective service delivery,” she said.
“This experience strongly aligns with the development of the Staying in Community, Leaving Violence program, which will be co-designed with community to deliver culturally safe, place-based responses for families experiencing domestic and family violence.
“Maranguka is committed to taking a whole-of-family and whole-of-community approach to keeping families safe, strengthening healing pathways and ensuring responses are grounded in culture, collaboration and local community voice.”
“This program reflects our belief that healing, safety and change are strongest when led by Aboriginal communities, for Aboriginal communities.”
The Government also confirmed two more SiCLV services will be delivered in Western NSW, with providers to be determined.
SiCLV is part of the broader Staying Home Leaving Violence Program that was expanded with a $25.9 million investment by the NSW Government.
The SiCLV program has been co-designed with Aboriginal communities, recognising the significant barriers many Aboriginal women face when seeking support, including concerns about losing their children, housing and connection to community.
It adopts a whole-of-family approach, working with all family members, including the person using violence, to drive long-term change and improve family safety.
SiCLV brings together services including NSW Police, housing, courts and non-government organisations to deliver coordinated and culturally safe support.
Based on BOCSAR data, Aboriginal women are eight times more likely to be recorded as victims of domestic and family violence. However, it is understood that only approximately 10 per cent of violence against Aboriginal woman and children is reported.
“Aboriginal women experience domestic and family violence at worryingly high rates, particularly in regional and remote communities,” said Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison.
“Through Staying in Community Leaving Violence, we are building on the strengths of our Staying Home Leaving Violence program while upholding Aboriginal self-determination. We are working closely with local Aboriginal communities, so it truly reflects solutions these communities have helped design and lead.
“By hearing the voices of communities in Bourke, Kempsey and Nambucca, this service will work with those that need support, programs and practical assistance to address domestic and family violence.
“This new program is part of our work to support recovery, so women and children can remain safely in their homes, connected to their families, culture and community.”
