Run by First Nations’ Women, for First Nations’ Women.
Our First Nations’ Family and Domestic Violence Support Services
Strong Women Talking offers culturally-safe, trauma-informed, community-owned and led Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Domestic Violence service programs. Our initiatives, including The Healing Journey Program and Sisters Connect, provide specialised local support which educates, equips, and empowers women to break the cycle of family violence. Elders Connect, guided by the wisdom and knowledge of First Nation Elders, fosters a supportive environment for healing and community connection.
Within our domestic violence support programs, we take a healing-focused approach to addressing sensitive issues like Domestic and Family Violence and Sexual Assault (DFVSA) while promoting resilience among community members. In doing so, we are making an active contribution to breaking the cycle of gendered violence within our communities and building a better future for our young people.
The Healing Journey Program
The Healing Journey Program offers culturally-appropriate, healing-informed workshops and programs focused on domestic and family violence prevention for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women aged 18+ and First Nations Children.
Participants in this 8-week program will learn about:
- Forms of abuse and the cycle of violence
- Healthy boundaries and healthy relationships
- Self love, self respect
- Visions, hopes and dreams
- Trauma informed practices for mental health, social and emotional wellbeing
- Current and intergenerational trauma impacting our bodies and how to heal from it
During our weekly sessions in Brisbane, we create a healing place for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander women, fostering a culturally-safe setting where women can speak openly with experienced facilitators and Elders. We also provide confidentiality forms for participants to read and sign before the commencement of all programs or domestic violence counselling in Brisbane. It is essential to us that each participant gains the most from every session and the Healing Journey Program as a whole.
Sisters Connect
Upon graduating from the Healing Journey family and domestic violence assistance program, women can participate in our fortnightly Sisters Connect program. This First Nations’ family and domestic violence program in Brisbane (Meanjin) aims to empower Aboriginal women by providing a supportive network that fosters personal growth and community connection. The Sisters Connect initiative offers a variety of workshops and group sessions focused on:
- Skills development
- Emotional well-being
- Cultural revitalisation
Participants will continue to gain valuable tools through various resources and services provided in this space. Women are encouraged to share their stories, learn from one another, and engage in activities that strengthen their sense of identity and belonging within First Nations’ communities. By promoting sisterhood and mutual support amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Sisters Connect helps women build confidence, resilience, and the capacity to lead positive change within their families and communities.
Elders Connect
The Elders Connect program by Strong Women Talking (SWT) focuses on providing ongoing support to women who are disengaged or isolated from their families and communities. Unique among Aboriginal domestic violence services, this initiative is led by First Nations female Elders who share similar experiences and insights into the challenges faced by the women connected to Strong Women Talking through the Healing Journey Program.
Elders Connect creates a culturally-safe space where women feel valued, loved, respected, and cared for. By maintaining relationships with women who have completed the Healing Journey, the program supports their continued progress in breaking the cycle of violence, thereby reducing the likelihood of returning to violent relationships.
Key themes communicated in this family violence education program include:
- The importance of kinship within a network of Sisters and Elders
- The necessity of connection within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- Understanding personal value and reinforcing self-worth and confidence
By reinforcing that these women are still connected to a broader community of sisters and Elders, they become stronger, knowing their worth and contributing positively to their families and communities. This extension of our Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal domestic violence women’s services further assists in the prevention of domestic and family violence, highlighting the critical role of aboriginal domestic violence education programs.
Our Support Location:
We are based in Brisbane.
We are able to provide services outside of Brisbane. If you would like to find out more please call us on (07) 3292 3500.
