$6 Million to Tackle Family Violence in Indigenous Communities

More than $6 million will be provided to tackle the serious levels of violence and increase reporting of child abuse in Indigenous communities.

A number of existing programs will receive a funding boost to expand their scope and effectiveness.

Kids Living Safer

The Australian Government will provide $2.95 million over three years to the Kids Living Safer Lives program.

This program operates in the Cape York communities of Hope Vale, Aurukun, Coen, Mossman Gorge, Lockhart River, Pormpuraaw and Kowanyama.

Some of the initiatives funded though Kids Living Safer Lives include:

• Queensland Police visits to local schools to encourage reporting of child abuse through stronger relationships with teachers and children;
• Queensland Police liaison with health, education and child protection agencies to increase awareness of situations where children are typically at risk – for example, where alcohol and drug abuse and domestic violence are occurring;
• Cape Australian Football League (AFL) anti-violence education programs; and
  a youth diversionary program for under-19s including sport and recreation activities through Cape Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) and Cairns Basketball Inc.

Safe Houses

The Australian Government will provide $1.7 million for safe houses for victims of violence and abuse in the Northern Territory.

Safe houses have already been established in Elliot, Ali Curung and Borroloola and are about to be completed in Pmara-Jutunta, Yuendumu, Hermannsburg and Finke.

An additional 18 safe houses will be established in other remote communities, including Wadeye and Milikapiti.

Early Intervention

The Government will also provide $1.5 million for child protection workers to identify children at risk of abuse. These workers will be placed in organisations providing services including child care and drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

This initiative will benefit both Indigenous and non-Indigenous children.