Gumbaynggirr woman Bianca Hunt has a unique perspective on domestic violence.
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She witnessed violence in her home as a child, before fleeing a violent relationship as a teen mum.
Through her work in crisis support, she has helped many women navigate the challenges that come with experiencing abuse.
For this year's Global 16 Days to end gendered violence campaign she wants to highlight the particular challenges that face Aboriginal women who experience violence at home.
"A lot of people make assumptions about race and violence," she said.
"Aboriginal women are more likely to experience domestic violence.
"But there's an assumption that because I'm Aboriginal, and my mum experienced violence, that my dad was Aboriginal.
"He was white. Mum is Aboriginal, and was part of the Stolen Generations - as a result for a long time she didn't have the family support she needed."
Bianca said reconnecting with extended family made a huge difference for her and her mum.
Having a loving extended kinship system meant she had somewhere to go when she felt unsafe.
It also meant she heard men in her family challenge her dad's behaviour, something that had a profound impact.
One of the most protective factors for women experiencing violence at home is access to supportive family members.
That's especially the case for Aboriginal women, who may have real fears that reporting violence will lead to their children being taken away from them.
"As a woman who's mum was part of the Stolen Generations, removed from her family and community by the Department of Community Services, I have always had the fear that my children would be taken," Bianca said.
"That is part of intergenerational trauma, and that is why it's so important to have culturally appropriate support services."
She said establishing a Women's Trauma Recovery Centre in the Illawarra, with specialist Indigenous services, could go a long way towards alleviating some of the challenges Aboriginal women face when leaving violent relationships.
"On top of the fear of losing your children, there's the trauma of having to tell your story over and over again to different services," Bianca said.
"There is a systemic issue of services not believing Aboriginal women, and each time you have to share your story there is that fear you won't be believed as well.
"A culturally safe space to share your experience, where you can access all the services you need, would reduce that trauma."
The Illawarra Women's Health Centre has pushed for the NSW government to fund a local trauma recovery centre, which would be a one-stop shop for those fleeing abusive relationships to access the services they need, including psychological support, legal support and physiotherapy.
The business case for the centre, which would cost $10 million over three years to build and run, has been with the state government since July, with no response. It would include specialist Indigenous services.
To read the letter pushing for a solution to gendered violence by 2031 go to: bit.ly/3CMJjyp
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