This project is exploring whole of family approaches to addressing family violence when there are intersecting issues of alcohol and other drug use, mental health and child protection. The Project will explore Aboriginal expertise on holistic approaches to this work whilst at the same time examining the applicability of the Safe & Together model when working with Aboriginal families in NSW within the context of invasion, colonisation and Stolen Generations. The Project is Aboriginal driven in collaboration with NSW Health. The Project team comprises both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal researchers.

Researchers:

• Marlene Lauw (ML Consultancy Services) – Chief Investigator and Aboriginal Consultant
• Assoc. Prof. Shawana Andrews (University of Melbourne)- Aboriginal Consultant to the Research Team
• Irene Wardle (Warami Consultancy) – Chief Investigator and Aboriginal Researcher
• Lois Newman – Aboriginal Research Officer
• Prof. Cathy Humphreys (University of Melbourne) – Chief Investigator
• Cherie Toivonen (CLT Byron Consulting, NSW) – Chief Investigator/Research Project Manager
• Dr Margaret Kertesz (University of Melbourne) – Chief Investigator
• Assoc. Prof. Emeritus Lesley Laing (University of Sydney) – Consultant to the Research Team

Funders and Partners:

Funded by NSW Ministry of Health – Prevention and Response to Violence, Abuse and Neglect (PARVAN) Unit

Safe & Together Institute

Project Dates: 2022 – 2024

Contact: Dr Margaret Kertesz