Walking With Women: A New Program to Support Leaving Violence in the Kimberley
Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre is proud to announce that we are a delivery partner in the new Leaving Violence Program (LVP) — a national initiative that will support Aboriginal women and families across the Kimberley to safely leave violent intimate partner relationships.
Led by Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (BRAMS), the West Kimberley Leaving Violence Network brings together six community-controlled organisations with deep roots across the region: BRAMS, Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS), Derby Aboriginal Health Service (DAHS), Kullarri Regional Communities Indigenous Corporation (KRCIC), Nirrumbuk Environmental Health Services, and MWRC.
Together, we are delivering something powerful: a local, trauma-informed, and culturally grounded response to family and domestic violence that puts the needs and choices of victim-survivors first.
What the Program Offers
The Leaving Violence Program is part of a broader national effort under the Commonwealth’s National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022–2032. Our Kimberley trial is one of only three regional sites selected across the country.
Starting from 1 July 2025, the program will offer:
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Up to $5,000 in financial support for eligible victim-survivors, including $1,500 in cash or cash equivalent
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12 weeks of tailored case management, including risk assessments, safety planning, and referrals
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Support delivered by trusted Aboriginal organisations, with staff trained in trauma-informed and culturally responsive care
At MWRC, we will be employing two new Leaving Violence Case Workers to deliver this program in Fitzroy Crossing and surrounding communities. These workers will walk alongside women and families, offering support that is practical, respectful, and grounded in their right to safety and self-determination.
Why This Matters
Our CEO, Emily Carter AM, says the program reflects years of tireless advocacy by Aboriginal women and organisations across the Kimberley:
“The Leaving Violence Program builds on long-standing work to respond to family violence in ways that are culturally safe, trauma-informed, and rooted in our community’s knowledge. It offers victim-survivors real choice and practical support as they begin their journey towards safety. It also strengthens the call we’ve been making through our Us Without Abuse campaign — that healing and prevention must be part of the picture, not just crisis response.”
BRAMS CEO Cassie Atchison, who is leading the regional consortium, added:
“Domestic and family violence continues to be a scourge in our communities. This program will provide many vulnerable families with vital support when they need it most.”
Us Without Abuse: A Continuing Call
The launch of this program builds on the momentum of our Us Without Abuse campaign — a powerful, Kimberley-wide movement calling for system reform, long-term prevention strategies, and investment in Aboriginal-led solutions to end family violence.
With local and national support growing, MWRC will continue to advocate for funding, policy and practice that reflects the realities of our communities — and amplifies the voices of the women and children at the heart of this work.
What’s Next
Recruitment is now underway for MWRC’s two Leaving Violence Case Workers. Service delivery will begin in July.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence and needs support, you can reach out to our team in confidence. And if you’d like to support this work — as a partner, donor, or ally — we welcome your solidarity.
Together, we walk toward a safer, stronger future.
- Marnin Admin
