Buiding Community Resilience in Aboriginal and Indigenous Communities

Programs and study surrounding breaking the cycle of abuse and violence are nothing new in today's world! Many of these programs concentrate on systemic problems surrounding alcohol and the link with violence. In Safe Hands... [ view full abstract ]

Programs and study surrounding breaking the cycle of abuse and violence are nothing new in today's world! Many of these programs concentrate on systemic problems surrounding alcohol and the link with violence.

In Safe Hands were able to develop a training package for schools and child care centres in Aboriginal communities in far north Queensland which centered on not only arming children with skills, language and understanding to be able to communicate effectively, but also providing these skills to adults within the community who are seen as role models.

Rather then masking issues with curfews or alcohol bands, which do not change generational behaviour, the program centered on empowering harm minimization, community pride and sustainability.

Whilst there is no doubt there needs to be control around alcohol and abuse within communities to address unsafe situations, only when this is combined with long term health and social training will an effective and meaningful result be achieved within communities everywhere.

Instill a message of character, "do what is right, not what is easy!"