The misidentification of First Nations women as family violence perpetrators
The CIJ is excited to be working with Djirra, Victoria’s statewide Aboriginal family violence prevention and legal service, on a new, community-led project investigating a highly damaging trend in the justice system.
With Djirra as the lead agency, and guidance from a steering group including respected Elders, the project will shed light on the significant and persistent problem of First Nations women being misidentified as the perpetrator of family violence– rather than as the person most needing protection.
The consequences of this systemic failure are profound and far reaching for women. It contributes to the excessive criminalisation and incarceration of Aboriginal women and the removal of their children. It also increases women’s distrust in police and their reluctance to seek help in the future.
Funded by Family Safety Victoria and commissioned by the Koori Justice Unit, the project will investigate the nature, prevalence and impacts of misidentification in this context. Yarning with women who have experienced misidentification is a crucial component in a multi-method approach. Djirra and the CIJ will also work with community leaders to co-design program and systems responses which will be aimed at both preventing misidentification and rectifying it when it occurs.