Sexual Violence Pilot Project
Wherever there is oppression or violence there is also resistance and victim/survivors of sexual abuse respond to their own and others safety and dignity in many diverse, beautiful, creative and inspiring ways even when these responses are no longer part of their hopes and preference for the future.
Acknowledgement
We hold deep respect for all victim-survivors — your strength, your survival, and your story. However you carry it, it matters.
We acknowledge that for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+SB Mob, these experiences are shaped by the ongoing impacts of colonisation, racism and systemic harm.
We honour the yarns and lived experiences shared through this work. We ask that you take care while engaging with this content and reach out for support if you need it.
You are not alone.
Organisations
• 2Spirits
• Restorative Yarns
• LHA
• DSS
Individuals
• Sam Ivancsik
• Leslie Purcell (Flowers)
• Locky Bygrave
• Annie Monks
• David Hunter
• Madi Day
• Rochelle Byrne
• Dylan Barrett
• Baylee O'Grady
Background
There are significant gaps in culturally responsive and affirming care, with many services not equipped to support the full complexity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy identities and experiences – Yarns Heal Executive Summary 2024
• Under the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Children, the Australian Government committed funds in 2019-20 to 2021-22 to a program of work focused on the prevention of sexual violence.
• In June 2021, Department of Social Services (DSS), Commonwealth Government engaged LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (LHA – the national peak body for orgs and individuals focused on health and wellbeing for queer folks.) to undertake a co-design process with member organisations and community representatives across Australia to provide recommendations on sexual violence prevention activities.
• The co-design and consultation process identified nine proposed pilots to prevent sexual violence in queer communities. All proposed pilots were underpinned by LaTrobe University’s Narrative Theory of Change framework. The Narrative Theory of Change identifies different prevention strategies to respond to the range of contexts in which sexual violence prevention occurs, including, education for behaviour change, early supportive relationships, creating safe environments and transforming social norms.
• In June 2022, the DSS funded three pilots for development and delivery: Safety, Acceptance and Identity on country and LGBTIQ+, Two Spirit, Sistergirl and Brotherboy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mob yarns was one of these pilots.
Project Scope
To engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+SB people in seven east coast communities within NSW and QLD to identify local issues relating to sexual violence prevention, developing localised responses, engaging community through yarning circles and education to build strong cultural approaches to prevent and respond to sexual violence. It will result in a framework and model that could be adapted to use in other Aboriginal community settings to prevent LGBTIQ+SB sexual violence.
The project had many changes:
Initially two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations were contracted to deliver this project however due to unforeseen Restorative Yarns was brought on to manage the project and facilitate the NSW component. The project had a two year timeline to begin with however due to project delays this pilot needed to be delivered within a with no scope for an extension from the funders.
In-reaching Model
In NSW a local community in reaching co-facilitation model was utlised. This delivery model focused on connecting with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+SB clinicians within the pilot yarning circle locations, who have experience working within the violence prevention field, delivering yarning circles and are embedded in their local community.
The benefits of this model include:
• Drawing on established paid and unpaid relationships, community connections and cultural knowledge within the yarning circle locations.
• Ensuring appropriate pre-consultation occurs within community (following cultural protocols) prior to the yarning circles and being aware of local community politics.
• Financially investing into the yarning circle locations by supporting clinicians who reside and work within their local community to co-facilitate.
• Ability to contract a range of different clinicians in each community with the desired skill set and connections required.
• Acknowledging the work being undertaken already within the community in relation to violence prevention.
Overall this model has greater flexibility and elements of community co-design.
Out-reaching Model
This delivery model will focus on partnering with a peak organisation in QLD, 2Spirits, that provides ongoing service delivery to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+SB and has established connections with communities across the state.
The benefits of this model include:
• Partnering with a peak organisation which has been functioning long term and has a strong reputation within communities and the wider sector.
• Supporting organisational capacity building within sexual violence prevention.
• Drawing on pre-existing services, programs and groups being offered throughout the state, which the yarning circles can connect in with.
• Consultation protocols have already been formed between 2Spirits and the community, are regularly utilised and have key contacts
• 2Spirits are well resourced to provide long term ongoing support, advocacy and follow up with the communities the yarning circles are piloted in.
Overall this model is well resourced to continue providing support and ongoing advocacy post yarning circles, it also has more power to create systems change at a higher level.
Listening to Country
Seven sites were initially chosen, however in 2023-2024 - 4/7 sites experienced natural disasters such as mass floodings and cyclones, one site’s co-facilitator was unable to continue with the project and another site did not proceed due to lack of wider community/ service uptake and concerns around cultural safety. Only one yarning circle went ahead, this was on Darkinjung Country central coast.
A decision was made by the project team to listen to Country, as Country provides inner messages relating to the delivery of sacred cultural work and business; honouring this was not the right time or place to facilitate and hear these yarns. Translating these messages within colonial systems where funding and outcomes were viewed as most important was an added complexity.
Project Outcomes
Yarning Circle on Darkinjung Country
A yarning circle was held at Barang Regional Alliance’s office situated on Darkinjung country (Central Coast, New South Wales).
This was facilitated by Sam Ivancsik and Leslie Purcell and was attended by 6 Aboriginal participants.
During the yarning circle, participants spoke about the intersecting challenges they face as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+SB people navigating systems that are often unsafe or exclusionary.
Key issues identified within their yarning circle included:
• The absence of culturally safe, inclusive services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+SB people.
• Ongoing silencing and normalisation of sexual violence.
• Fear of accessing justice or health systems due to lateral violence, stigma, and unsafe reporting mechanisms.
• The misuse of culture to protect perpetrators.
• The intersectional discrimination faced.
• The need for holistic, culturally responsive healing spaces.
• The increasing role of technology-facilitated abuse, particularly among youth, was also raised as a growing and under-recognised threat to safety and wellbeing.
Community Report
The Community Report outlines a set of community-driven recommendations to support primary prevention and systemic change. These include establishing a community-controlled, LGBTIQA+SB-affirming youth service with regional hubs; building cultural safety capacity within mainstream and Aboriginal services; and investing in digital education, youth storytelling, and media campaigns. The report also calls for structural reform to improve transport access, outreach models, and service integration, and advocates for long-term funding that centres Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+SB leadership and lived experience.
Localised Community Outcomes
• Yarning circle occurred on Darkinjung Country.
• Data sovereignty embedded, community owns their data.
• Community report was completed and provided to Barang Regional Alliance, which included providing a number of drafts to receive guidance on data gathered, interpretation and ensuring cultural protocols were followed.
• Localised resources developed for Darkinjung community with a focus on young people through targeted social media campaign (themes healthy relationships and consent). Development of 2x short video scripts and 10x social media tiles.
Community Report
The Community Report outlines a set of community-driven recommendations to support primary prevention and systemic change. These include establishing a community-controlled, LGBTIQA+SB-affirming youth service with regional hubs; building cultural safety capacity within mainstream and Aboriginal services; and investing in digital education, youth storytelling, and media campaigns. The report also calls for structural reform to improve transport access, outreach models, and service integration, and advocates for long-term funding that centres Blak LGBTIQA+SB leadership and lived experience.
Localised Resources
A series of localised resources were co-designed to support sexual violence prevention among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+SB young people. Developed under the theme "Cuppa and a Yarn", the resource suite includes short videos and social media tiles centred on key themes such as Consent and Healthy Relationships.
These resources reflect the lived experience, humour, and cultural wisdom of Mob, and are designed to be inclusive, affirming, and culturally safe. The content features accessible, youth-friendly language, vibrant visuals, and messages delivered by Blak Queer voices, reinforcing messages around bodily autonomy, respect, boundaries, and relational accountability.
In response to the themes and needs identified during the Darkinjung yarning circle, two distinct resource sets were developed: one focused on Consent and the other on Healthy Relationships. Each set includes a 30-second video script featuring a relatable Blak LGBTIQA+SB speaker, as well as a series of vibrant, illustrated social media tiles. The Consent series uses culturally relevant metaphors, like BBQs, tattoos, and bush animals, to communicate clear messages about boundaries, respect, and enthusiastic agreement.
Key slogans such as “If it ain’t a Hell Yeah, it’s a Nah” and “Consent is like sharing a feed” are designed to cut through shame and normalise open conversations. The Healthy Relationships set uses humour and familiar scenarios, like hiding relationships from aunties or doing the dishes together to highlight the importance of mutual respect, communication, accountability, and visibility in Mob love. These resources are intentionally playful, accessible, and affirming, blending Queer joy and Blak humour with serious messages to empower youth and challenge harmful norms.
National Resources
Five resources were developed through codesign with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contractors as part of the pilot. The resource design workshop, held in April 2025, on Gadigal Country brought together a range of LGBTIQA+SB practitioners from across the country.
The workshop focused on developing a sexual violence prevention framework and resources for Rainbow mob. It centred Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing which led to a process of truth telling. These yarns were dynamic, passionate and centred in cultural humility.
Sacred Ember Oracle Cards
Sacred Embers is a culturally grounded Aboriginal Oracle card deck created by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+SB communities. Developed through collective wisdom and lived experience, the deck is divided into four themes: Walking, Being, Healing, and Dreaming, each offering reflections, prompts, and teachings that honour the resilience, strength, and sacred identities of Rainbow Mob.
Rooted in connection to Country, culture, and Ancestors, the cards centre truth-telling, community care, and personal empowerment. This resource speaks to the spirit, heart, and story of Rainbow mob, providing a space to reflect, feel, and heal in culturally safe and affirming ways.
Designed for broad use, Sacred Embers is intended for individuals, community groups, health professionals, and educators who work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+SB peoples. The cards can be used in one-on-one conversations, group settings, therapeutic contexts, or in future yarning circles focused on the prevention of sexual violence. Through guided reflection and storytelling, this resource opens space for deeper conversations about identity, justice, consent, and healing. It invites users to explore difficult topics with care, while also celebrating survival, pride, and the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQ+SB communities.
The deck has 4 themes:
• Walking - centring Movement, Journey, Adaptability and change
• Being - centring ethics, values and essence
• Healing - centring renewal, restoration and spirit growth
• Dreaming - Ancestral Wisdom, Life force and activism
Each theme has an introduction and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+SB specific questions to assist with reflection and use of the cards.
How to Receive an Oracle Card:
Please send a self-addressed pre-paid envelope to 376 Ruthven St, Toowoomba QLD 4350 (one card per envelope)
Framework
The LGBTIQA+SB Sexual Violence Framework is a culturally responsive, trauma informed resource designed to support facilitators, community workers, and advocates in leading meaningful conversations about the underlying drivers of sexual violence impacting LGBTQIA+SB communities.
Grounded in cultural safety, intersectionality, and strengths-based practice, the framework explores sexual violence beyond individual acts by recognising the social, structural, and systemic conditions that contribute to harm. It identifies six key systemic drivers affecting LGBTIQA+SB communities: colonialism, racism, transphobia, homophobia, patriarchy, and ableism, with abuse of power embedded throughout.
The framework also includes a Community Template Tool, allowing communities to reflect on how these drivers appear within their own local contexts through real-life examples, behaviours, language, and systemic barriers. This place-based approach supports culturally relevant prevention strategies and community-led responses.
Designed for flexible use in workshops, yarning circles, professional development, or grassroots healing spaces, the framework encourages deep listening, storytelling, and collective reflection while centring and affirming LGBTIQA+SB voices.
Posters
A suite of posters has been developed to centre messages of consent, healing, love, and chosen family - designed to support individual learning, community education, and feelings of physical safety in spaces. These resources will be shared across community spaces, digital platforms, and professional networks to promote conversations rooted in care, connection, and collective strength.
Guided by the voices of LGBTIQA+SB clinicians, the resources honour the significance of chosen family, Country, and community care as key sources of safety, resistance, and spiritual grounding. Visuals and messaging celebrate Rainbow mob joy, relational connections to Country, and the strength found in community-led, non-punitive safety models. Rather than using fear or shame-based approaches common in traditional health promotion, these resources are intentionally hopeful- speaking to the spirit and envisioning a future grounded in love, pride, and cultural continuity for current and future generations.
Community Report Template
Too often, data and stories are extracted from communities without permission or benefit, leaving mob feeling used, unseen, or misrepresented. This template helps to flip that script - grounding the process in data sovereignty, self-determination, and cultural authority. It ensures that community is not a subject of research but a rights-holder with control over their knowledge, experiences, and futures.
The template was created to guide ethical, respectful, and culturally safe reporting back to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities when projects occur in partnership on their Country. It is designed especially for non-Indigenous practitioners and organisations working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to ensure that community voices are not just heard - but centred, respected, and returned.
Report structure:
• Centring Country
• Project Overview
• Local demographics and context
• Purpose of report
• Cultural license and community authority
• Data sovereignty statement
• Methodology
• Community engagement and yarning summary
• Key themes or issues raised by community
• Community-identified limitations and strengths
• Recommendations and next steps
• Returning the yarn: Community feedback loops
• Ethical considerations
• Reflections on practice
• References and resources
• Permissions and distributions
Example of some of the questions posed in the community report template:
• How did the project embed local cultural knowledges, ways of being, and protocols?
• Describe how Country informed the approach, consultation, and findings. Relationship with Country is ongoing and reciprocal - consider how your work will remain accountable to it.
• Who provided cultural permission or governance to conduct the work?
• Who owns the data?
• How can it be used (or not used)?
• What protocols were followed?
• Was community consent gained for external publication?
• How will the report be returned to participants and the wider community for further feedback and input?
• Will you host follow-up yarns, community meetings, or visual resources?
Eco System of Support
The Eco-System of Support is a culturally grounded therapeutic resource designed for LGBTIQA+SB communities to explore experiences of sexual violence. Inspired by narrative therapy, the tree of life and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being, and doing, this tool uses natural metaphors such as billabongs, trees, and animals to guide participants in reflecting on support systems, personal values, strengths, resistance, and joy. The resource invites storytelling and healing by centring Country as a living co-facilitator, encouraging a deep connection between identity, land, and community.
Intended for use by individuals or in group settings, the Eco-System of Support can be adapted for therapeutic sessions, community workshops, or cultural healing spaces. It is particularly well-suited for future yarning circles focused on LGBTIQA+SB sexual violence prevention, fostering safe and supportive environments for sharing and resilience-building. This flexible tool allows participants to express themselves creatively through art, words, and symbolism, supporting empowerment, identity, and healing across diverse experiences and settings.
Purpose:
• To help participants reflect on their networks of support and resilience.
• To externalise challenges and lift personal stories of strength, resistance, and hope.
• To nurture LGBTIQA+SB identity, belonging, and agency through storytelling rooted in Country.
Example:
"The billabong was chosen as it is a powerful cultural metaphor within this therapeutic framework. For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, billabongs are sacred places - deeply connected to spiritual and clan identity. They represent more than waterholes; they are sites of reflection, connection, and belonging. The billabong is a place where the physical, emotional, and spiritual come together. In therapeutic practice, this image offers a culturally grounded symbol of healing - a place to sit, reflect, feel, and connect. It becomes a container for stories, emotions, and memories, held safely within the layers of Country and culture."
- Flowers, 2024
Literature Review
LHA commissioned a literature review to evidence approaches to build community acceptance, awareness and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+SB people at risk of sexual violence. The report was commissioned to review the literature on primary prevention of sexual violence specifically within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+SB communities. This report was undertaken by Dr Melinda Hickey in collaboration with Dr Madi Day.
National literature review guided by three main questions:
1. What is known about the prevalence and nature of sexual violence;
2. What is known about the unique and intersecting drivers of sexual violence; and
3. What works for the prevention of sexual violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+SB communities?
The literature review found “no robust published evidence of what works for preventing sexual violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+SB communities.” When considering prevention in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and LGBTIQA+ communities separately, some overlap is apparent.
Key learnings from the review include:
• Intersectional and systemic factors such as racism, colonisation, homophobia, and transphobia are deeply intertwined with the drivers of sexual violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and LGBTIQA+ communities.
• Community-led and culturally safe approaches are essential for effective prevention and healing.
• Collaboration between mainstream and community-specific organisations strengthens prevention efforts.
• Long-term, sustainable funding is critical for impactful research and prevention initiatives.
• Trauma-informed and culturally grounded methodologies enhance inclusivity and effectiveness in addressing sexual violence.
• Improved data collection and evaluation tailored to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and LGBTIQA+ communities are necessary to build a comprehensive evidence base.
“Our Voices, Our Ways” Discussion Paper
The “Our Voices, Our Ways” discussion paper responds to the literature review commissioned by LHA on the primary prevention of sexual violence and addresses its significant gaps from the lived experiences and cultural expertise of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+SB communities. Grounded in a yarning session with seven Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTIQA+SB clinicians and community leaders, the paper provides a culturally informed and community-led critique of mainstream prevention frameworks and outlines actionable recommendations for systemic change.
Key gaps and points of tension in the literature:
• Cultural invisibility and white normativity
• Conflation of sexual violence with family and domestic violence
• The silence around systems harm
Urgent findings to foreground:
• Absence of disaggregated data
• Colonial load and vicarious trauma
• Weaponisation of culture
• Complexity of survivor and perpetrator identities