Indigenous experts to craft child sexual abuse support program

Two new programs will aim to provide culturally-safe support for child abuse sufferers and their families, and combat racism faced by victims.

Indigenous Expert Groups will develop programs aimed at providing culturally safe support for survivors of child sexual abuse and their families. Source: AAP

An expert panel of First Nations advocates will co-design new programs to help Indigenous survivors of child sexual abuse and their families.

Two separate initiatives aimed specifically at helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were announced today as part of the government's national strategy to combat the issue.

CEO of SNAICC Catherine Liddle will co-chair one of the Indigenous Expert Groups. She says the appointment of the experts is a huge change for the sector.

"Absolutely, because... it puts Aboriginal people and services right at the forefront of service delivery and development," she told NITV News.

"And this is fundamental to changing the way governments work with Aboriginal people and respond to really critical areas of need, like child sexual abuse... healing, and families in need."

Catherine Liddle, CEO of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children. Source: www.snaicc.org.au

Ms Liddle, along with Healing Foundation CEO Fiona Cornforth, will co-develop a program designed to support children and families with "place-based, Indigenous-led healing approaches".

She says an emphasis on listening to health services already on the ground within communities will be of benefit to those seeking help. 

"... that means that the Aboriginal community controlled sector in particular is able to respond to those needs in a timely matter, and in a way that's culturally safe and relevant.

"Because we're talking about really sensitivite issues and really vulnerable people."

In announcing the program today, the minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt called out the "heinous crime" of child sexual abuse, and the barriers faced by First Nations people in accessing suitable care.

"We know from the Royal Commission (into child sexual abuse) that experiences of racism and discrimination... are key barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander victims and survivors disclosing abuse and seeking support," he said in a statement.

"This is why the specific needs of Indigenous Australians, including connections to culture, Country and language, have been a key part of the development of this National Strategy."

Experts from the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia will complete the expert groups.