Kungas’ trauma experiences and effects on behaviour in Central Australia

This project was undertaken through the Kunga Stopping Violence Program (KSVP). The KSVP is a voluntary throughcare program for Aboriginal women in the Alice Springs Correctional Centre who have an alleged history of violent offending. The KSVP designed a pilot study that aimed to provide an opportunity for clients of the KSVP to tell their life stories, and to contribute to a deeper understanding of the life events that led to their incarceration. The project aimed to identify the interventions, services and supports that can divert women into programs to prevent incarceration and necessary reforms to meet the needs of Aboriginal women experiencing complex trauma.

The research revealed a cohort of women who are financially stressed and lacking stable and safe accommodation, dealing with addictions to alcohol or using other drugs, and who have high physical and mental health needs. Almost all of the women had experienced violence by an intimate partner prior to entering prison. Common to the women’s stories was the devastating impact of intergenerational trauma. These factors not only contributed to offending, but also to the likelihood of incarceration.