DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The Community Safety Research Project is being conducted in Wilcannia, Menindee and Broken Hill by Maari Ma and the University of New South Wales in an effort to find effective ways to improve the Social and Emotional Well Being of Aboriginal people. In a culturally appropriate way, the project is collecting evidence to show what is precipitating violence in our communities. After extensive community consultation and 'yarning' interviews to identify themes associated with grief and violence, the next stages of the project are about to begin: an adult study to further explore the issues related to violence and an innovative program, which we all call a Healing Program. The Healing Program will explore the connection between local culture and history, and its consequences for individuals, families and communities. We'll talk to people in groups and on their own using a mix of traditional and more western focused yarning styles. Our ultimate aim is for those who are caught up in cycles of stress and violence to understand their situation and develop resilience, and a greater capacity to bring about change.