For many, many years we have been highlighting the same issues, the same systemic racism and targeting of our people on one hand & on the other repeating the same proven self-determined solutions that will bring change Djirra First Nations Advocates Against Family Violence #wehavethesolutions 2/3

But are those in power listening to us? Now more than ever we are looking to all political leaders – regardless of party – for urgent action & change that puts our women’s & children’s safety first Djirra First Nations Advocates Against Family Violence #Aboriginalwomenslivesmatter #wehavethesolutions 3/3

This week is National Child Protection Week. The Child Protection system in Victoria is NOT protecting Aboriginal kids. Across Victoria, the numbers of our kids being ripped from their mums, families & communities is soaring. Djirra 1/8

Right now, the rate of removal of Aboriginal children in Victoria is higher than at ANY time since white settlement. It is almost DOUBLE the national average. This is DEVASTATING & UNACCEPTABLE. Djirra First Nations Advocates Against Family Violence Victorian Government Victorian Dept of Families, Fairness & Housing 2/8

Djirra works with Aboriginal women who are blamed and punished for the violence they experience, who have their children taken rather than being supported to escape the violence safely with their children, and who fear the system more than their abuser 3/8

Early access to legal representation WILL stop our kids being removed.For 10+ yrs, Djirra & other First Nations Advocates Against Family Violence services have called on govts to establish & fund a system that refers mums to our specialist legal services as soon as a child protection notification is made 4/8

Aboriginal women experiencing family violence DESERVE to have an advocate. Protecting children is about investing in families. Keeping kids strong in culture and families, not ripping them away Djirra 5/8

The Yoorrook Justice Commission inquiry recommended this type of system, and Victorian Government has given in principle support for this. We MUST see this system implemented as a matter of priority. It WILL keep our Mums and kids safe and together Djirra 6/8

And in a move that will further harm & discriminate against Aboriginal kids & see them unsafe & caught up in another racist system– just a few weeks ago Victorian Government broke its promise to #raisetheage of criminal responsibility to 14 yrs Jacinta Allan Jaclyn Symes Anthony Carbines MP 7/8

Our children DO NOT belong in the criminal justice system. They belong with their families, thriving in culture & identity. This week & every week we urge YOU to join us & demand an URGENT overhaul of the racist & punitive systems that are supposed to keep our kids safe 8/8

Read more at djirra.org.au/the-age-child-… Djirra First Nations Advocates Against Family Violence #Nationalchildprotectionweek #raisetheage #wehavethesolutions

Violence against First Nations women is a national emergency, impacting our women all over this country. Over 2 weeks in August the Federal Govt. received 3 major reports DIRECTLY relating to gendered violence & its devastating effects on our women & children Djirra 1/4

While we welcome this national focus on ending the crisis of men’s violence against women and children – each report tells us what we already know. There are NO SURPRISES. They ‘report’ exactly what we have been saying for more than 22 years Djirra 2/4

Why have we not heard anything from governments? – The silence is DEAFENING and – ironically – says so much. More reports, inquiries, and audits are NOT the answer Djirra 3/4

In 2 weeks alone there has been 67 ‘new’ recommendations & findings to end violence against our women and children. Why isn’t Govt. listening? Where is the political leadership we urgently need to END this epidemic? Read Djirra full statement here: djirra.org.au/3-reports-67-r… 4/4

From today’s announcement, it is unclear exactly what funding or other resources will go to Djirra & other self-determined specialist Family Violence Prevention & Legal Services. We must have detail on exactly how & when today’s promised funding will be allocated 2/4

Djirra welcomes the National Cabinet’s acknowledgment that men’s violence against women and children is at a crisis point and requires urgent national investment and action First Nations Advocates Against Family Violence 1/4

From today’s announcement, it is unclear exactly what funding or other resources will go to Djirra & other self-determined specialist Family Violence Prevention & Legal Services. We must have detail on exactly how & when today’s promised funding will be allocated 2/4

Djirra will work closely with Victorian Government to ensure that the new package announced today goes where it is needed most—to Djirra and other specialist family violence services that keep our women safe 3/4

Press conferences and promises alone do nothing to save Aboriginal women’s lives. REAL INVESTMENT in our self-determined frontline services is the ONLY solution. Read Djirra’s full statement here: djirra.org.au/national-cabin… 4/4