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First Peoples

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this resource may contain images or names of people who have since passed away.

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Healing and trauma services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

A scoping review
Kimberley A Jones, Amanda Jones, Helen Kennedy, Nina Levin, Shantai Croisdaleb, Catherine Chamberlain
Journal
Trauma-informed Indigenous evaluation Intergenerational trauma Health inequity Wellbeing Aboriginal people (Australia) Torres Strait Islander people Cultural safety Violence Abuse (People) Australia
Resources
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download linkHealing and trauma services 1.84 MB
Description

Colonisation and oppression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have resulted in intergenerational trauma and systemic health inequities, making culturally responsive, healing-informed approaches that uphold self-determination essential. This review article identifies and describes healing services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by trauma, violence or abuse. 

A four-step search strategy located peer-reviewed studies, grey literature reports and organisational websites (2012 to 2025). Eighty services/programs were identified across Australia with 15 exemplars included. Most were delivered by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations spanning justice, family violence prevention, primary health care, and community services. All exemplars included culturally grounded components such as yarning, storytelling, and time on Country. Evaluations suggested improvements in wellbeing, cultural connection and family and community relationships, though evaluation approaches varied. Synthesis of 31 healing frameworks produced an umbrella framework encompassing three guiding principles and eight service elements, including culturally centred, community-led, and holistic approaches.

The article concludes healing-informed, culturally-grounded, community-led and flexible wrap-around approaches support wellbeing, cultural connection and relationships for those affected by trauma, violence and abuse. Findings provide an evidence-informed framework for designing, delivering and evaluating future services, highlighting the need for Indigenous-led evaluation.

Publication Details
Peer Reviewed:
Yes
DOI:
10.1080/00049530.2026.2678850
License type:
CC BY
Access Rights Type:
open
Volume:
78
Issue:
1