Plan in train to stop violence against Indigenous women

Experts, stakeholders, communities and people who've experienced domestic and family violence are being asked for their input to create a plan to stop the abuse of Indigenous women and children.

SNAICC - the peak body for Indigenous children - will oversee the consultation process as the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Safety Plan is developed and is calling for submissions.

SNAICC chief executive Catherine Liddle said making a submission will help to ensure the plan reflects the needs and aspirations of Indigenous communities.

"It's vital we emphasise the importance of including voices from across the country, encompassing lived experiences, grassroots perspectives, organisations, and academics to inform a standalone plan to enhance safety for women and children," Ms Liddle said.

First Nations women and children are disproportionately impacted by family, domestic and sexual violence.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are 34 times more likely to be hospitalised due to violence than non-Indigenous women and six times more likely to die because of family violence.

Steering Committee co-chair Muriel Bamblett said the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Safety Plan would be critical to increase safety for Indigenous women and children.

"We want to make sure all perspectives on the solutions, priorities and approaches have every opportunity to inform the National Plan, so it reflects the needs and aspirations of our communities," she said.

Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said ensuring the safety of First Nations women, children and families is a government priority.

"It is unacceptable First Nations women and children continue to experience disproportionately higher rates of family and domestic violence," she said.

"This opportunity for First Nations people with lived experience of family violence, experts, the community-controlled sector and community members to inform the development of the standalone National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Safety Plan is key to ensuring practical outcomes and driving meaningful change.

"It is essential these perspectives are heard."

The public submissions process is open until October 25.

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