| Change Em Ways | Dijun Way YoungN Deadly |
The Change Em Ways (CEW) program aligns with emerging evidence and research around Aboriginal family domestic violence that strongly suggests intervention and prevention should be underpinned by a cultural healing approach and greater focus on social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB).
The CEW Program recognises the impact of colonisation on Indigenous social and kinship structures, cultural practice, language, and spirituality. A guiding principle which is incorporated in the CEW program is around healing from intergenerational trauma and the importance of supporting men to reconnect with their cultural values and practices. This involves applying a cultural lens to knowledge systems, such as language and seasonal changes, along with cultural ways of learning and doing. Emphasis is placed upon the cultural roles and responsibilities of men, sense of place and reconnection with Country. This is achieved by incorporating a three day overnight pre-workshop camp. The On Country camp provides an opportunity for the new participants of the workshop to meet and develop trust before they face the challenges of the intensive family domestic violence workshop. Additionally, one day each fortnight during the workshop, the group go back to Country and engage in group activities.
