Barnardos Australia welcomes the announcement of the national plan to address domestic and family violence in First Nations communities, describing it as a critical step towards keeping children safe.
The plan recognises that violence is not inevitable and that lasting change depends on culturally safe, community-led solutions and investment in prevention.
"Violence in any form has devastating consequences for children, families and communities. First Nations children are far too often disconnected from meaningful help," Dr Kate Alexander, CEO, Barnardos Australia said.
"We welcome a national approach that focuses on prevention, early support and the leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Keeping children safe must start with family support and addressing the pressures that place families under extreme strain.
"At Barnardos we see families experience complex challenges like poverty, housing stress and intergenerational trauma every day. These pressures, when left unaddressed, can compound the risk of violence and harm on children.
“Early, culturally appropriate support can prevent harm before it becomes entrenched. A national plan is only meaningful if it is properly resourced and implemented in partnership with communities on the ground."
Barnardos also emphasised the importance of aligning the plan with broader efforts to reduce inequality, including access to safe housing, income security and family support services.
“It is the right of every Australian children to grow up in knowing safety, belonging, family, love and culture,” Dr Alexander said.
"This plan is an important opportunity to shift the focus from crisis response to prevention and healing. We are ready to work with governments and communities to help make it happen."
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