A new partnership between BHP and Aboriginal Family Legal Services (AFLS) will improve the legal assistance and social services available to communities in the Pilbara.

Established in 2010, Aboriginal Family Legal Service WA operates across seven regions to support individuals and families impacted by family, domestic and sexual violence.

The organisation operates under a holistic service delivery model, which includes free legal assistance and non-legal support, and the promotion of family safety through community education, early intervention, and advocacy to end the cycle of violence.

The Pilbara Wide Community Legal Education and Support Program will run over two years to provide critical resources to support the work of the Hedland AFLS.

Bill Milroy, AFLS Chairperson and Palyku man, said the investment by BHP into the safety of local community is essential.

“Rates of family assaults and breaches of Family Violence Restraining Orders in the Pilbara have been steadily growing over the last decade.”

The partnership aims to strengthen the existing AFLS service delivery footprint and meet demands for culturally safe, client centric and trauma informed legal assistance and social service delivery.

BHP’s funding will enable AFLS to offer intensive case management to survivors of FDV in Hedland and Newman, as well as delivery of community education programs and workshops designed to build understanding of family and domestic violence, and healthy relationships.

Gail Dodd, Acting CEO AFLS, said “Our programs are designed to encourage clients to approach and seek assistance from AFLS before their situation escalates”.

“This is critical to minimising the potential for further harm to the client and their family, and to reducing the potential for police, justice or child protection system involvement in the future.”

Cindy Dunham, BHP General Manager Port, Western Australia Iron ore said: “For us, it’s about standing with local communities and backing organisations like AFLS, which provide culturally appropriate support for victim survivors and their families and deliver important preventative education programs.”

“Through this partnership with AFLS, we hope to make a meaningful difference to people experiencing family and domestic violence in the Pilbara.”