ANROWS Research report, Issue 1, June 2021

This review is the first publication of the research project “An exploration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healing programs that respond to domestic and family violence and sexual assault“. This project will map and analyse “what works” in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healing programs that respond to domestic and family violence and sexual assault nationally. Employing a narrative approach, the authors have summarised knowledge from existing publications including both grey and black literature.

The review includes an overview of the family violence, trauma and healing literature before presenting evidence on what works for family violence programs and what works for healing. A strong preference for locally designed and led approaches was identified across both types of programs as was understanding, acknowledging, valuing and respecting culture. Consistent across many reviews and reports about family violence interventions was the preference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander frameworks and pathways to collective and family healing, rather than criminal justice interventions. (From the website). Record #7676