A major new initiative is being launched to tackle one of Australia’s most serious and persistent social challenges: family and sexual violence affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children.
The organisation, called Our Ways Strong Together, will work alongside community-controlled services to create a more coordinated and effective response to the issue.
A Long-Awaited National Effort
Built From Years of Advocacy
The launch follows years of campaigning by Indigenous women’s safety advocates who have pushed for stronger, more consistent action.
For many, the creation of this national body represents a long-overdue step toward addressing a crisis that has been largely under-recognized at a national level.
The organisation aims to ensure that policies don’t remain theoretical, but are actively implemented across systems that affect people’s lives.
A Severe and Ongoing Crisis
Disproportionate Impact on First Nations Women
The statistics highlight the urgency of the situation.
First Nations women are:
- Seven times more likely to be killed due to family violence
- 27 times more likely to be hospitalised because of it
These figures point to deep structural issues that require coordinated action across multiple sectors.
The Problem of Underreporting
A Hidden Issue in Many Communities
One of the major challenges in addressing family violence is that it is often underreported.
Many victims face barriers such as:
- Fear of retaliation
- Lack of trust in institutions
- Limited access to culturally appropriate services
This means the true scale of the problem may be even greater than reported figures suggest.
Gaps in Funding and Support
Fragmented and Inconsistent Services
Advocates have also pointed out that funding for prevention and support programs is often:
- Short-term
- Inconsistent
- Spread across disconnected initiatives
This creates a system where services can be difficult to access and lack long-term stability.
The new organisation aims to bring greater coordination and accountability to these efforts.
A Coordinated National Strategy
Bringing Systems Together
Our Ways Strong Together is designed to sit at the center of a broader national strategy.
Its role will include influencing key areas such as:
- Policing and justice systems
- Housing and support services
- Child protection
- Frontline community services
The goal is to ensure that different systems work together rather than operate in isolation.
Closing the Gap Targets
Reducing Violence Is a National Priority
Reducing violence against First Nations women and children is a key target under Australia’s broader Closing the Gap framework.
This framework is designed to address inequalities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians across areas like:
- Health
- Education
- Safety
- Economic opportunity
The new organisation is expected to play a key role in helping achieve these goals.
A Community-Led Approach
Centering Indigenous Leadership
A defining feature of the new body is its focus on First Nations leadership.
Rather than relying on top-down policies, the organisation will:
- Work with community-controlled services
- Prioritise culturally informed solutions
- Elevate Indigenous voices in decision-making
Advocates believe this approach is essential for creating lasting change.
Why This Matters
Beyond Policy — Real Impact
The creation of a national, First Nations-led organisation signals a shift toward more structured and accountable action.
If successful, it could:
- Improve access to support services
- Strengthen prevention efforts
- Reduce violence in vulnerable communities
More importantly, it aims to ensure that strategies are implemented — not ignored.
Final Thoughts
The launch of Our Ways Strong Together represents a significant step in addressing a deeply rooted and often overlooked crisis.
While the challenges are complex, the focus on coordinated systems, community leadership, and long-term action offers a path forward.
For many advocates, this is not just another policy — it is a chance to create meaningful, lasting change for Indigenous women and children across Australia.
