Aboriginal family violence is distinct in that it has invaded whole communities and cannot be considered a problem of a particular couple or an individual household ... the failure in family functioning can be traced in many cases to interventions of the state"
- Gathering Strength – Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, Volume 3 (page 52)
Terminology
In this guide, the term "family violence" will be used when discussing intimate partner violence in the Indigenous context. Family violence refers to a range of violent behaviour that can occur in First Nations, Métis, and Inuit families and communities, including violence against women, elder abuse, child abuse, and men experiencing violence. The term is used because it acknowledges the complexity of factors that contribute to violence within Indigenous families and communities – including colonization, historical and ongoing trauma, and social-economic disparities – and recognizes that this violence is not limited to the power and control relationship between two people.
Context and background
Practice resources
- Working with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis families who have experienced family violence [2012]This OACAS practice guide is intended to provide child welfare professionals with tools to work effectively with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis families when assessing allegations of maltreatment in the context of family violence
- You are not alone: A toolkit for Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people escaping violence [2018]This resource from the Native Women's Association of Canada provides Indigenous women with community safety planning resources and also includes a directory of services available in every province and territory
- Domestic violence risk assessment, risk management and safety planning with Indigenous populations [2018]Issue brief developed by the Canadian Domestic Homicide Prevention Initiative with Vulnerable Populations (CDHPIVP)
- Working with Indigenous people who have experienced family violence from a Haudenosaunee perspectiveConversation between Julie Bomberry (Ganǫhkwásra` Family Assault Support Services) and Dr. Robert Antone (Kiikeewannikaan Southwest Regional Healing Lodge) about the ways in which their organizations work using both Haudenosaunee values and Western methods
- Kanawayhitowin videoThis 18-minute documentary provides critical information about how Indigenous families and communities are impacted by woman abuse. Members of the Indigenous community who work with women as well as key community members share their experiences and inspiring messages emphasizing the importance of community involvement in putting an end to domestic violence
- Colonization, oppression and racism: Understanding violence against Indigenous women who are olderWebinar recording from the Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses
- Kizhaay Anishinaabe Niin: I am a Kind Man [2006]Community action kit developed by the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres to encourage Indigenous youth and men to speak out against violence against women
