Djirra was pleased to host the successful launch of ‘Ensuring that Aboriginal perspectives inform responses to Aboriginal victims’ report at Djirra in the West on Thursday.
This critical research was led over many years by the Centre for Innovative Justice in collaboration with the Aboriginal Justice Caucus and key Aboriginal organisations including Djirra, Elizabeth Morgan House, Aboriginal Women’s Service, Dardi Munwurro and the Aboriginal Engagement worker network. The project was commissioned by the Koori Justice Unit, in collaboration with Victims Services, Support and Reform at the Department of Justice and Community Safety.
This research included interviews with 23 Aboriginal people who had been victims of crimes and experienced unique barriers to disclosing and seeking support for the harm they experienced.
The report highlights:
- That Aboriginal people are overrepresented at all stages of the criminal justice system, including as victims of crime, while being underrepresented in receiving support services
- The urgent need for investment in culturally safe, holistic and wrap-around support for Aboriginal victims of crime.
The launch was emceed by our CEO Antoinette Braybrook AM with a panel facilitated by Elena Campbell and panel members Sam Smith and Samara Young who spoke to the importance of self-determination, choice, and listening to Aboriginal people who are harmed as a result of crime.
Minister Ergodan spoke at the launch and outlined his commitment to this important work and improving responses for Aboriginal people as victims of crime. The Minister was called on to implement all recommendations in the report, which have been endorsed by the Aboriginal Justice Caucus.