Oral Presentation Lowitja Institute International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference 2016

The Royal Commission into institutional responses to child sexual abuse has commenced trying to understand the support services required to address the impact of child sexual abuse. As the Commission undertakes this work, it has been very important that it hear the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on what is required and how it is best provided.

Institutional child sexual abuse has had and continues to have a major effect on our people–for individuals, their families and communities. The Healing Foundation through its Royal Commission Support Project sought to understand how to create an effective healing system incorporating Indigenous knowledge to ensure a quality healing system was available for survivors.

The production of a report detailing this healing framework has recognised and responded to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country. This report will be published later this year and will be used as a means to advocate for the development of a comprehensive policy and practice framework incorporating the healing framework to ensure effective, safe and culturally responsive services are provided post the conclusion of the Royal Commission.

This paper will outline:

• The process for developing the healing framework including the principles of collaboration and equity that guide Healing Foundation work
• The trauma-informed healing practice that underpins the framework;
• The inclusion of a culturally strong and led research model
• The importance of a quality healing system to create change for survivors.