Indigenous Family Violence Prevention Forum

1. Indigenous Family Violence Prevention Forum Windmill Reception Centre North Mackay May 2nd and 3rd 2006

2. What we know already • The experience of colonisation: use it as a springboard for healing, reconciling with the past • give men who use abusive behaviour against those closest to them, the opportunity to tell their stories and mark their journeys with art, or song or trips back to country.

3. What we know already • have great faith in this healing and in these processes. • look to the long haul and do so one day at a time, so as to be less overwhelmed. • make small changes significant in our minds, so as to report them for what they are.

4. What we know already • base reviews and evaluations as much on how programs are introduced as on outcomes in the lives of the community. • bring together the issues and deal with them, each one as part of the whole.

5. Challenges • Take the time to prepare for the program with the community and other agencies • Work to the advantage of those you’d like to join you. • Men who have used abusive behaviour – work out ways for them to have the basics in their lives

6. Challenges • Less need to be dependant on or abusive towards their partner • Mentor men to help them see • what they have to lose and what they have to gain • The harm they are causing • The destruction they are visiting on their culture

7. Challenges • Respect culture but refuse to accept abusive practices, whatever their rationalisation • Abuse kills culture • Other men’s stories help with the healing when they are told with honesty and without showmanship or pretence

8. Challenges • The safety of women and children is the cornerstone of good practice • Nothing is achieved and much is lost if this is not the priority • Good solid work with men can be done with this as the cornerstone of good practice • These things work together not against each other