We are committed to working with Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations (ACCOs) to enhance our responses to family violence affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
We acknowledge the lived and living experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families, and communities impacted by family, domestic and sexual violence.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Victoria have diverse languages and cultures. The term Aboriginal is used on this page when referring to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from across Australia.
Quick exit button
To exit this website quickly, click on the ‘Quick exit’ button in the top right corner of this page.
Aboriginal communities and family violence
Victoria Police recognises that Aboriginal people experience higher rates of family violence harm than other Australians.
Family violence is perpetrated against Aboriginal people by both non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal people.
Family violence can lead to severe and long-lasting impacts for Aboriginal communities. Harm can be social, cultural, spiritual, physical and economic.
How police respond to family violence in Aboriginal communities
Police take all reports of family violence seriously. They will take action to keep people safe.
When police respond to a family violence report, they must ask each person if they identify as Aboriginal. This includes any children or young people. Where possible, police will ask each child or young person directly. If the child or young person isn’t there, police may ask an adult about whether the children are Aboriginal.
Police ask for this information so they can refer people experiencing or using family violence to support services.
Aboriginal people can tell police if they prefer to be referred to specialist Aboriginal or general support services.
Police will add this information to the referral they must make to The Orange Door family violence support service.
Aboriginal people can also ask to speak to an Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer (ACLO) or a Police Aboriginal Liaison Officer (PALO). An ACLO or PALO can help explain police procedures and processes.
Learn more about how police respond on What to expect when you report family violence.
Mandatory notifications to the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
Police must notify Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) if an Aboriginal person is arrested and taken into police custody.
VALS support clients when they interact with the Victorian justice system. This can include support from:
- a client service officer
- the relevant legal teams in civil, criminal or family law.
Family violence support services for Aboriginal communities
Aboriginal people can directly contact Aboriginal community services if they need information or support. You don’t have to wait for a police referral.
Some Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations that specialise in family violence are:
Police and Aboriginal Community Protocols Against Family Violence
The Police and Aboriginal Community Protocols Against Family Violence (PACPAFV) are an agreement between local area Aboriginal community services and Victoria Police.
The Protocols outline how police and community work together to best respond to family violence to ensure everyone gets the help they need.
The Protocols are in place at 17 areas across Victoria.
Police, Aboriginal community and family violence service providers at these sites meet regularly to make sure the protocols are being implemented in the community.
For more information about the Protocols, email the Family Violence Command.
Acknowledgement of Country
Victoria Police respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the country throughout Victoria.
We pay our respects to Elders, past and present and continue to recognise and embrace the fact that Aboriginal People are connected to the oldest, continuous culture and history.
Report family violence
How to report family violence to Victoria Police and Crime Stoppers, and where to find discreet help.
Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers
About The Victoria Police Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer and Police Aboriginal Liaison Officer programs, and how they enhance our relationship with Victorian Aboriginal communities.
Updated