Data for action: The Family and Community Safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (FaCtS) Study

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe the development, methodology, methods and final data resource for the Family and Community Safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (FaCtS) Study. Improving family and community safety is a priority for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations, and governments, but to date there has been insufficient appropriate evidence to underpin action. The FaCtS Study aims to improve understanding of family and community safety and violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, using mixed methods, Community-based Action Research. Methods: The FaCtS Study is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led and governed study, founded on principles of participation and collaboration. Key components included self-nomination of partner communities, establishment of study governance structures, co development of data collection tools, locally-led data collection and collaborative decision-making around data ownership and use. The FaCtS Study is a mixed-method study in which Community Researchers were trained to undertake quantitative and qualitative research in communities, supported by the Study team. Primary data collection components included quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews and focus groups with community members and service provider staff, and identification (mapping) of services relevant to family and community violence operating in the communities. Results: Eighteen communities covering very remote, remote, regional, and urban areas in Australia self-nominated to take part in the Study. A training resource was developed, and over 30 Community Researchers were trained across participating communities. A total of 1584 eligible community member surveys, 98 service provider surveys, 56 community focus groups, 49 community member interviews, and 41 service provider interviews are available for analysis. Community-specific data were provided to each of the 18 communities and are being, or can be, used to inform local planning and/or advocacy. Conclusions: The FaCtS Study data resource provides valuable insight to inform effective community, policy, and service responses to support family and community safety and to improve service provision for those exposed to or involved in violence. It also serves as an exemplar of ethical research, demonstrating the application of Community-based Action Research principles, reciprocity, and local data ownership. To maximise the benefit that can come from the Study, confidentialised data will be available to communities, academics, services, and government agencies for approved research purposes under Indigenous data governance arrangements. Show more