Congress membership strengthens stance against domestic and family violence
Corporation members of Central Australian Aboriginal Congress have reinforced the organisation’s position on domestic and family violence, endorsing a change that embeds a zero tolerance for domestic and family violence at the highest level of the organisation.
The rulebook change – a welcomed direction from the corporation membership to the Board – was put in motion after the vote that took place earlier in the year.
The change ensures that no person who has a domestic violence conviction recorded in the last ten years, or a Domestic Violence Order issued against them in the previous five years, will be eligible to serve as a director on the Congress Board.
“Congress members have exercised their power as members of an Aboriginal community controlled health service to deliver a strong message about domestic and family violence.” said Congress Director, Ebony Abbott-McCormack.
“As a powerful advocate against domestic and family violence, and a service that provides care for people impacted by it, Congress must be strong and consistent with its messaging, including about who leads the organisation.” Ms Abbott-McCormack continued.
“As an Aboriginal community controlled service, this was a matter for members to decide, and the corporation members have said loudly that they do not tolerate domestic and family violence.
“We thank them for their leadership and direction.”
Congress’ commitment to collective action to ending domestic and family violence in Aboriginal communities continues. The organisation is in the process of joining Our Ways Strong Together, the newly established dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander National Peak Body for Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence. The body’s interim chair, Donnella Mills commended the Congress Board on their stance.
“Leadership from the community controlled sector about domestic and family violence is essential for progress to be made. By setting this standard in their constitution, Congress’ members and Board are setting a strong precedent, clearly stating that Aboriginal communities do not tolerate domestic violence,” said Ms Mills.
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Media Contact: Tess O’Loughlin | 0439 641 470 | media@caac.org.au
