Chapter 2 Lateral Violence in Aboriginal Communities
From Awareness to Transformations
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Abstract
This chapter will focus on lateral violence within the Aboriginal community and utilise this forum as an educative opportunity to bring awareness to the Aboriginal community, other Indigenous communities, as well as the broader mainstream community. Oppression through racism is within institutions, is personalised and can become internalised by Aboriginal people. The consequence of oppression has been to the detriment of Aboriginal people’s wellbeing, mental health and can also manifest as lateral violence. Lateral violence is described as violent and disruptive practices within oppressed minority groups directed toward each other. Lateral violence is a product of a complex mix of historical, cultural and social undercurrents resulting in a gamut of behaviours that include: gossiping; bullying; social exclusion; organisational conflict; and physical violence.
Recent exploratory research on lateral violence in Adelaide, South Australia, sought to critically examine the concept and prevalence of lateral violence as well as strategies to address lateral violence within the Aboriginal community. The study revealed that the main form of addressing lateral violence is via education and awareness of lateral violence for the Aboriginal and broader mainstream community. By further increasing awareness and education of lateral violence, a process of empowerment can reduce the incidence of lateral violence within the Aboriginal community in Adelaide and elsewhere. The methodology and further findings will be elaborated in the chapter along with educational strategies toward empowerment and transformation.