Amplifying unheard voices: Systemic failures and strategic solutions in addressing violence against Indigenous women
McNicol, Emma, Cripps, Kyllie, and Longbottom, Marlene (2026) Amplifying unheard voices: Systemic failures and strategic solutions in addressing violence against Indigenous women. In: Flynn, Asher, McLachlan, Freya, Cripps, Kyllie, and True, Jacqui, (eds.) Eliminating Violence Against Women: A Handbook for the Indo-Pacific Region. Women, Peace and Security, 10 . de Gruyter, Berlin, Germany, pp. 291-302.
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Abstract
The crisis of violence against Indigenous women in Australia demands ur-gent, transformative action. Indigenous women continue to experience disproportion-ately high rates of violence. Recent data reveal they are up to thirty-three times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence–related assaults than non-Indigenous women. Between 1989 and 2023, 476 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women were victims of homicide, reflecting victimisation rates up to seven times the national average. This chapter examines the systemic failures underpinning this crisis, includ-ing inadequate institutional training, inconsistent application of domestic violence guidelines, delayed responses, and pervasive scepticism towards Indigenous women’s reports of violence. It highlights the lack of culturally safe services and the frequent misidentification of Indigenous women as perpetrators due to racial bias. We argue for a comprehensive, community-led approach grounded in cultural authority and self-determination. This includes sustained investment in Indigenous specialist serv-ices, enhanced antiracism training for service providers, and the establishment of In-digenous-led data collection and governance to inform policy. Centring Indigenous women’s voices is essential to transforming responses to violence: believing their ex-periences, ensuring safe accommodation, and funding long-term, culturally respon-sive solutions. Only through genuine commitment can Australia move towards justice, healing, and safety for Indigenous women, families, and communities.
| Item ID: | 94274 |
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| Item Type: | Book Chapter (Research - B1) |
| ISBN: | 9783112222881 |
| ISSN: | 2941-2110 |
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| Copyright Information: | © 2026 the author(s). This is an open access publication distributed under the terms of the CC 4.0 license BY-NC-ND |
| Additional Information: | A published review of this book is available, providing further discussion of its key themes and contributions to the field: Tolmie, J. (2026). Defiant resistance: shattering the silence on violence against Indigenous women: by Marlene Longbottom, Canberra, ACT, Aboriginal Studies Press, 2026, 256 pp, AUD$44.95 (paperback), ISBN-13: 9781922752055. Current Issues in Criminal Justice, 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1080/10345329.2026.2736920 |
| Date Deposited: | 13 Oct 2026 00:11 |
| FoR Codes: | 45 INDIGENOUS STUDIES > 4505 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, society and community > 450523 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social work and social justice @ 100% |
| SEO Codes: | 21 INDIGENOUS > 2101 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community services > 210102 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander development and wellbeing @ 100% |
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