A family domestic violence primary prevention research project led by WA Centre for Rural Health at The University of Western Australia has received a $500,000 grant from the Western Australian Department of Communities to tackle and prevent family domestic violence in Geraldton, Mullewa and Northampton.
The Midwest Yurla Wangga Family Domestic Violence (FDV) Primary Prevention Towards Ending Violence Project, Yurla Wangga meaning "Men Talking" in Wajarri, focuses on engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males to promote healthy masculinities, positive male peer relationships, and challenge harmful cultural norms that contribute to family violence.
The project will be implemented in three phases to build the knowledge and skills needed for creating sustained FDV primary prevention.
The first phase will involve community engagement and the establishment of an Aboriginal Advisory Group to ensure cultural security and good governance.
Image: WA Centre for Rural Health Director Dr Sandra Thompson, WACRH Project Officer Levi Thorne, Dr Mick Adams, and WACRH Research Fellow Dr Charmaine Green in Geraldton, WA.
As part of this, a three-day Yurla Wangga Yarning program modelled on Train-the-Trainer principles will be developed in collaboration with project partners and inspired by the Midwest Aboriginal Men’s Empowerment (MAME) project.
The Yurla Wangga Yarning program will be delivered to Aboriginal males in Geraldton, Mullewa, and Northampton, who will then encourage discussions on FDV primary prevention in their communities.
The final phase will evaluate the project’s impact through continuous monitoring and feedback, with the aim of creating a lasting effect on the community and future generations.
Additionally, the project will host a one-day FDV Community Gathering in Geraldton to promote further discussion and awareness about FDV primary prevention, with community members invited from Geraldton, Mullewa and Northampton.
Dr Charmaine Green, Research Fellow at WACRH, welcomed the grant and said it would enable the team’s critical work in preventing family domestic violence to continue with the gathering of important research data in the family domestic violence space.
“The project builds on the successes of the MAME initiative and represents a significant step towards safer, healthier communities in the Midwest,” Dr Green said.
Levi Thorne, WACRH's MAME Project Officer, said the grant was more than just financial support but an investment in the future of local communities.
“It empowers Aboriginal males to innovate and create sustainable solutions towards ending family domestic violence, fostering a safer and stronger Midwest,” Mr Thorne said.
Yurla Wangga Advisory Group member Wayne McDonald said the continuation of the family domestic violence primary prevention program in a culturally safe space, would empower Aboriginal males to champion the cause for a safer community.