2023 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE page2 CONFERENCE

The 2023 National Indigenous SAY NO Against Domestic Violence Conference will focus on issues such as psychological, physical, emotional and mental abuse inflicted on individuals and communities subjected to all forms of family and domestic violence. High quality research, community and government programs will be highlighted at the conference with the aim of providing positive outcomes in the drive to stop all forms of family and domestic violence in our communities. The conference primary aim and goal is to employ positive prevention strategies to stop all forms of domestic violence across the general community.

For years, domestic violence has been hidden in the back rooms and behind closed doors. The conference is only one tool in our arsenal to overcome the scourge of family and domestic violence through the speaking out, sharing of information, knowledge and utilising the best practices. The COVID-19 pandemics lockdowns, uncertainty, unemployment and financial stress contributed to increasing incidences of domestic and family violence. With thousands of First Nations Australians at

risk of sexual, physical, mental and emotional abuse, it is extremely important for our communities to come together as one and provide a unified voice to break the cycle of domestic violence. Abuse takes place in all areas of society from the rich to the poor, from Indigenous communities through to mainstream society.

Gender equality and the rights of women and children who are victims play an important role in highlighting violence within the domestic lifestyle of society. Statistics throughout the world show that men are deemed to be the most prominent perpetrators; however the conference will focus on both men and women equally together with all other family members. The greater the spotlight on family and domestic violence as well as drawing attention to the

identifying predators who inflict the violence, the greater the effectiveness of breaking the cycle of violence.

Many communities have worked hard in addressing the incidences of domestic violence with both non-government and government agencies developing some great programs in addressing these problems. The Conference is devoted to highlighting many of these successful Domestic Violence programs implemented in our communities.

With the invention of the internet, the world is now at most peoples’ doorstep. As such,the sharing of information whether it be programs run by government or not-for-profit organisations has become more accessible in today’s society. In light of this, the conference endeavours to establish a network for the sharing of information on breaking the cycle of Domestic Violence.

CONFERENCE THEME

This conference is built based on the principles that Men, Women and Community must be united when it comes to Domestic Violence issues. One thing we are all aware of is that Men make up the largest percentage of perpetrators. As such, the conference theme is centred upon the principle that it is all our duty and responsibility to bring a halt to Domestic Violence.

CONFERENCE AIM & OBJECTIVE

The conference objectives are designed to empower and stimulate discussion in a positive manner that can and may be used back in our work environment to further develop strength, unity and education. Moreover, one of the most powerful objectives that Indigenous peoples have is the strength to overcome adversity through the power of sharing knowledge and therefore the conference will attempt to foster all of the issues set out in this conference.

Reduce incidences of Domestic and Family Violence at all levels
Provide an open and frank forum for discussion
Lend support to individuals and families working in the field of Family and Domestic Violence
Help establish and grow a worldwide network and resources through information sharing
Exchange information regarding the successes of community projects
To bring together men, women and organisations as a united voice against domestic and family violence
Bring together researchers, service providers, government agencies, policy makers/developers & organisations
Networking and lending support to individuals and groups working in the field of Domestic Violence

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The 2023 National Indigenous SAY NO Against Domestic Violence Conference is held every two years with the 2023 event being the 16th conference in the series. It is the largest gathering of workers in the field of Domestic Violence. Over time the conference has seen in excess of a thousand delegates. It is important to note that the conference is open to all people, not just Indigenous or First Nations’ People from Australia. This conference gives a voice to all sectors of the community from grass roots remote communities through to the politicians and bureaucrats.

CONFERENCE STATEMENT

Violence against any family member constitutes a violation of the rights and fundamental freedom of that individual and impairs or nullifies their enjoyment of those rights and freedoms. Recognising that violence against someone is an unequal power between the aggressor and victim. This leads to an uneven balance within the domestic environment which therefore causes further friction or disharmony with other household members, in particular the children. Indigenous Conference Services’ vision is to break the barriers of silence and stand as a unified group to combat domestic violence and their aftermath by having an open and transparent conference. This in turn will emphasise the inequality that exists in society today.