Kalwun Domestic & Family Violence Program Cultural Responses to Domestic and Family Violence
Tracks
Virtual Presentations
| Thursday, December 2, 2021 |
| 12:40 PM - 1:00 PM |
Overview
Miss Tanya Blackhall, Kalwun Development Corporation
Speaker
Miss Tanya Blackhall
Program Manager Domestic & Family Violence And Family Participation Program
Kalwun Development Corporation
Kalwun Domestic & Family Violence Program Cultural Responses to Domestic and Family Violence
Abstract
The aim of our program is to provide culturally appropriate, holistic wrap-around trauma informed and responsive services to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families affected by, or at risk of, domestic and family violence. We are here to support and empower families escaping and recovering from violence and abuse and to prevent and reduce the number of families affected by family and domestic violence.
Our practice is providing a “Healing” space, an environment that support’s the healing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Our “Healing” space will offer activities developed by us and for our community, in response to identified family specific healing needs.
The aim of the “healing practice” that will be offered via our DFV Service is a combination of traditional and western practices, operating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander spirituality and culture at the core.
Self-determination also has a strong cultural meaning for our people and is something that as “First Nation People”, we have fought for over many decades. “Cultural Self Determination” involves a substantive transfer of decision-making power from government to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. It requires programs and resources that can assist us in rebuilding our own decision-making capabilities. This is where the “Self Determination” model becomes applicable to our practice and the service that we offer to our families.
Self-determination can include everything from being actively involved in policy formulation to providing services from cultural peers (rather than outside of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture).
The adaptation under the two model’s “Families” and “Self-Empowerment Model” , with underpinning awareness of the STD theory, all coincides to supporting our families to achieve “Self – empowerment” with in a “Cultural framework”.
The ultimate goal of the service aims to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to manage their own family dynamics and consolidate cultural connectedness.
Our practice is providing a “Healing” space, an environment that support’s the healing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Our “Healing” space will offer activities developed by us and for our community, in response to identified family specific healing needs.
The aim of the “healing practice” that will be offered via our DFV Service is a combination of traditional and western practices, operating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander spirituality and culture at the core.
Self-determination also has a strong cultural meaning for our people and is something that as “First Nation People”, we have fought for over many decades. “Cultural Self Determination” involves a substantive transfer of decision-making power from government to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. It requires programs and resources that can assist us in rebuilding our own decision-making capabilities. This is where the “Self Determination” model becomes applicable to our practice and the service that we offer to our families.
Self-determination can include everything from being actively involved in policy formulation to providing services from cultural peers (rather than outside of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture).
The adaptation under the two model’s “Families” and “Self-Empowerment Model” , with underpinning awareness of the STD theory, all coincides to supporting our families to achieve “Self – empowerment” with in a “Cultural framework”.
The ultimate goal of the service aims to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to manage their own family dynamics and consolidate cultural connectedness.
Biography
I am a proud Wiradjuri woman. I was brought up in community and have had over 20 years experience in domestic family violence, child protection and working with young people.
I am very passionate about self determination and social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. I believe in mob helping mob and the importance of cultural responsive practices that can support our families, young people and community to heal and feel empowerment in making our own decisions that is viable and realistic for our families and community.
