Program description
Koori Women’s Place (KWP) started as a pilot in 2018 in response to the Royal Commission into Family Violence, which recognised that ACCOs are best placed to lead the design and delivery of family violence prevention and response for community. Since opening its doors in Abbotsford in Melbourne, KWP has become a culturally safe and welcoming space where Aboriginal women can connect with each other, heal, and access support and referrals on their own terms. It is also an entry point into Djirra’s other services including its family violence legal service; specialist family violence case management; early intervention and prevention workshops Sisters Day Out, Dilly Bag and Young Luv; and alcohol and other drugs support and counselling.
The KWP delivered 345 workshops to almost 2,200 participants in 2022–24 and continued to evolve to meet Aboriginal women’s priorities and needs.
There is extensive evidence that culture is a key protective factor in effective family violence programming and prevention efforts: that it can restore strength, dignity and self-determination for Aboriginal women and communities (19, 71). The team at KWP focus on developing trusted relationships, offering the right support in the right way, through relationships with Aboriginal women and connection to culture.
Insights
At KWP, primary prevention is a holistic and ongoing process that runs parallel to early intervention, response and healing, woven through every interaction, workshop and community gathering. KWP does not always fit within narrow Western definitions of primary prevention, which do not adequately account for the ongoing impacts of colonisation, racism and intergenerational trauma.
In KWP, prevention can look like fostering connection to culture and community through workshops. Whether its painting, working with possum skins, weaving or jewellery making, the yarns around the table increase understanding of family violence and Aboriginal women’s rights and worth. Importantly, KWP offers a space for healing, for Aboriginal women to make sense of their experiences of violence; to reconnect with culture, with other Aboriginal women and with themselves, so they can continue to support their kids, families and community. Many women speak of KWP as a place where they feel safe, valued and empowered to take the next steps in their journey.
Key takeaway
The impact of KWP extends beyond immediate service provision. It fosters strong connections between Aboriginal women and networks of support; it validates culture and sharing of cultural knowledge and creates pathways for Aboriginal women to access necessary resources without fear of judgement. Their authentic and self-determined approach to supporting Aboriginal women requires flexible, long-term funding that is compatible with Aboriginal led outcomes, trust building and sustained engagement.