Sexual and Family Violence: Overcoming Barriers to Service Access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Clients. Issue 2 (3rd April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Prentice, Kathy; Blair, Barbara; O'Mullan, Cathy
• Is Part Of: Australian social work. Volume 70:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 241
• Page End: 252
• Publication Date: 2017-04-03
• Subjects: Sexual and Family Violence -- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People -- Service Access; Social service -- Periodicals; Social service -- Australia -- Periodicals; Social Work -- periodicals; Social Work -- Australia -- periodicals; Periodicals; 361.3
• DOI: 10.1080/0312407X.2016.1187184
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0312-407X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Despite the fact that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities typically experience a high prevalence of sexual and family violence, service responses have mostly been culturally inappropriate and ineffective. This article reports on a collaborative, participatory research project aimed at exploring barriers to service access by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients when they have been affected by sexual and family violence. The findings reveal multiple barriers to service access, including justice system deterrents, social taboo, shame, and a lack of culturally appropriate services. The article highlights the importance of recognising and addressing the complex interplay of historic, social, and cultural factors influencing service access.