Elevating Anangu Voices in the SA Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence
When South Australia announced a Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, NPYWC knew we had to work hard to make sure the voices of Anangu women and men were heard in this enquiry. As the only specialist domestic and family violence service operating across the tri-state NPY region, we are uniquely placed to platform Anangu voices.
As a result of our advocacy and two written submissions, Commissioner Natasha Stott-Despoja decided to fly to Mparntwe specifically to meet with NPYWC directors and members, and the men of the primary prevention Uti Kulintjaku Watiku project.
The Watiku men shared stories about the work they do in their own communities to help young men grow up strong and care for their families.
The directors and members talked about the unique challenges facing Anangu women who are responding to and resisting domestic and family violence on the APY lands. This includes:
- Difficulties created by the three different administrative systems across the tri-state region in which Anangu live and travel - the borders have a big impact on the justice system but to Anangu those borders do not exist
- Challenges created by remoteness, with no safe houses for women or men on the lands and police sometimes many hundreds of kilometres away
- The need for support for men who use violence, and for young parents to help them break the cycle of violence
NPYWC also spoke powerfully about how they draw on the strengths of Anangu culture to resist and heal from domestic and family violence. Our members shared stories of how traditional ways of living kept families safe, and how taking young people out on country to reconnect with language, culture and kin can build strong families for the future.
One of our directors emphasised that any solution to domestic violence needs to be grounded in Anangu tjukurpa.
The Commissioner was visibly moved by NPYWC’s testimony. The final report of the Royal Commission quoted NPYWC multiple times and made several recommendations specific to the APY lands, such as supported accommodation for both men and women and increased investment in programs for men. NPYWC calls on the South Australian government to act on these recommendations and work with us to increase the safety of Anangu women and children.
