BHP supports Aboriginal women experiencing domestic violence

BHP is partnering with Aboriginal Family Legal Services WA to fund two years of critical preventative programs and social support services for Aboriginal people at risk of or experiencing family and domestic violence (FDV) across the Pilbara. AFLS chair and Palkyu man Bill Milroy said the investment by BHP into the safety of their local community was crucial given the over-representation of Aboriginal women as victims of FDV across the Pilbara. “Rates of family assaults and breaches of Family Violence Restraining Orders in the Pilbara have been steadily growing over the last decade,” Mr Milroy said. “They have more than tripled in Newman since 2015-16, more than tripled in South Hedland and Roebourne since 2014-15, and more than quadrupled in Karratha since 2014-15.” “Across WA, Aboriginal women are 45 times more likely to be assaulted by their spouse or partner than non-Aboriginal women, and 17.5 times more likely to be murdered,” he said. The partnership will enrich AFLS’s resources, enabling the organisation to gain a wider reach in providing legal aid and social services. AFLS CEO Gail Dodd said the partnership would provide a myriad of programs aimed at preventing the onset of domestic and family violence, and minimising risks of physical harm. “Our programs are designed to encourage clients to approach and seek assistance from AFLS before their situation escalates,” Ms Dodd said. “This is critical to minimising the potential for further harm to the client and their family, and to reducing the potential for police, justice or child protection system involvement in the future.” BHP general manager port Western Australia Cindy Dunham welcomed the positive societal impact the partnership will have on the Pilbara’s First Nations population. “When it comes to family and domestic violence, particularly in the regions, the statistics are really concerning, so we are very pleased to support efforts that can help bring about much-needed change,” she said. “Through this partnership with AFLS, we hope to make a meaningful difference to people experiencing family and domestic violence in the Pilbara.”