Aboriginal family violence and abuse are: (1) a multi-factorial social syndrome and not merely an undesirable behavior (2) that resides within Aboriginal individuals, families and community relationships, as well as within social and political dynamics. (3) It typically manifests itself as a regimen of domination that is established and enforced by one person over one or more others, through violence, fear and a variety of abuse strategies. (4) It is usually not an isolated incidence or pattern, but is most often rooted in intergenerational abuse; (5) and it is almost always linked to the need for healing from trauma. (6) It is allowed to continue and aided to flourish because of the presence of enabling community dynamics, which as a general pattern, constitute a severe breach of trust between the victims of violence and abuse and the whole community. (7) Finally, the entire syndrome has its roots in Aboriginal historical experience, which must be adequately understood to be able to restore wholeness, trust, and safety to Aboriginal family and community life.
Excerpt from A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER: PATHWAYS TOWARD ENDING ABORIGINAL FAMILY VIOLENCE AND ABUSE by the Four Worlds International Institute (If you would like a copy of this Report, please inbox me your email)