In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are the most at-risk group of experiencing domestic and family violence.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic and family violence workers warned there would be increased violence as a result. It is now indisputably evident that violence caused by COVID-19 has had a devastating impact, particularly on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children across New South Wales.

Here to tell us more is this week’s guest, Ash Johnstone.

Ash is an Aboriginal Dunghutti woman who grew up on Dharawal country, and is currently completing a PhD on Indigenous Education and research. She works as an Aboriginal Specialist Worker for the Illawarra Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service and is on the Board of Womens' Safety NSW. This is a state-wide peak body for women's specialist services advocating for women’s safety in the context of domestic and family violence through systemic reform and cultural change.

During this week’s podcast, Ash brings to light the key issues emerging as a result of the pandemic, with a focus on the effects being felt by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Specifically, Ash delves into how Indigenous women have experienced domestic violence during this time and the unique challenges they have faced.