A research project has found that family and domestic violence rates are higher for First Nations women and children with disability. Commissioned by the Disability Royal Commission (DRC), the Wangkiny Yirra “Speaking Up” project reported on First Nations women and children with disability who have experienced domestic and family violence. The project was conducted by the Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service (AVPALS) in partnership with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Disability and Family Violence Project (NATSIDFV). 

The report says trauma and harm experienced by First Nations people can contribute to family violence and difficulty getting help. The barriers of racism and disadvantage contribute to the disproportionate rates of domestic and family violence experienced by First Nations women and children with disability.