Goal 1.2: Aboriginal communities are safer

The survival of Aboriginal communities in the face of great adversity is testament to their strength. Aboriginal communities have great potential to nurture and protect, however there are high rates of conflict and violence in some communities. Aboriginal people, especially women and children, are disproportionately affected by family violence, and rates of victimisation, violence and offending in the Aboriginal community continue to rise. 

Aboriginal definitions of family violence are broad. In addition to high rates of violence among immediate family members, Aboriginal communities experience lateral violence, whereby abuse occurs between members of the same family, extended family, kinship networks and/or other community members. The roots of lateral violence lie in colonisation, oppression, intergenerational trauma, powerlessness and ongoing experiences of racism and discrimination. Experiencing violence, being in an environment where personal safety is at risk, or in a social setting where violence is common, has negative effects on individuals and communities.

Being a victim or witness to crime is often the first contact Aboriginal people have with the justice system and is known to increase the likelihood of future offending. A more intensive and targeted approach to safety in Aboriginal communities is required. Building strong and safe communities is an important foundation for both the wellbeing of Aboriginal people and the prevention of crime. Safe communities are places in which people experience empowerment, security, pride, wellbeing and resilience. 

Stronger communities are more able to address local issues. Evidence from the evaluation of AJA3 tells us that strong local leadership, joined-up and collaborative approaches between justice agencies, service providers and the Aboriginal community delivering flexible services that are appropriate to the local context are critical to success. 

	Meet the specific needs of Aboriginal victims and witnesses of crime, particularly children. Provide culturally-informed support and enable access to the services they need to ensure healing can occur.
	Empower Aboriginal communities to identify the justice and community safety issues in their local areas and determine their own solutions.
	Increase the capacity of Aboriginal communities to respond to disputes through community-led initiatives in areas including family and lateral violence prevention, mediation and dispute resolution.