Tackling Violence out of the Pilbara
The Aboriginal Family Law Services (WA) (AFLS) in partnership with the North Pilbara Football League
(NPFL) has taken a preventative approach to the issues of family violence and sexual abuse, currently
taking a devastating toll on children and families in local communities across WA.
Family violence is an overwhelming problem with Aboriginal women 38 times more likely than non-
Aboriginal to be hospitalised as a result, and 10 times more likely to be killed. In the 5 years to 2013,
hospitalisation rates for men and women as a result of family violence increased by 46%. Estimates suggest
70-90% of Aboriginal children in out of home care are removed from their family due to family violence.
The football community in the Pilbara is very large and Aussie Rules attracts a diverse audience, from all
walks of life and even though men play the sport, their families are very involved. This program provides
education to all levels of the community to take responsibility and say no to family violence and as North
Pilbara football players, officials and supporters we all take a lead role in helping to deliver the message
against family violence in our region.
The AFLS provides culturally safe legal assistance to Aboriginal victim-survivors of family violence, in areas
including violence restraining orders, criminal injuries compensation, child protection and family law.
Services are delivered in regional WA in Broome, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Kununurra, Port Hedland and
Carnarvon. From these centres, legal and non-legal staff provide outreach services to people in remote
communities.
Last Modified on 22/07/2015 21:31