"Lateral violence" refers to when people within the same group or community harm or hurt each other emotionally, verbally, or even physically. It often occurs when individuals who are facing similar challenges or discrimination turn their frustrations and anger toward each other instead of working together to address the root causes of their problems.
Full definition
Some communities and their native title representative organisations are starting to put in place structures that help to protect them from the effects
of lateral violence in the native title environment.
Chapter 4 considers options for addressing
lateral violence in environments concerning our lands, territories and resources.
I am hopeful that we will see more resolve, creativity and action as the conversation
about lateral violence continues.
That targeted research is undertaken to develop the evidence base and tools to address
lateral violence as it relates to the native title system.
As I travel around the country talking to people I am often given anecdotal evidence that suggests a link
between lateral violence and involvement with the criminal justice system.
Like social and emotional wellbeing impacts, the research
around lateral violence leading to involvement with the criminal justice system is still embryonic.
This fact makes me confident that we can once again enjoy a life where conflict is properly managed and
lateral violence does not rule our communities.
The previous discussion has looked at some of the concepts that explain
how lateral violence comes about in our communities.
The thinking
behind lateral violence explains that this behaviour is often the result of disadvantage, discrimination and oppression.
Whenever the forces of social class come to bear at the lower end of society,
then lateral violence and fellow envy is all - consuming.
The case studies in this Chapter are in no way exhaustive but nonetheless show just some of the different ways communities and government are already addressing
lateral violence across a range of sectors.
I will discuss the role of government in the creation of conditions leading to
lateral violence below and will devote significant discussion to cultural safety and security in Chapter 4.
In taking this step, our people must be supported by governments and external native title stakeholders to ensure the system does not
facilitate lateral violence.
The practice of narrative therapy takes this one step further, using a culturally secure model of counselling and community work that empowers participants to deal
with lateral violence.
However, it does reflect many of the concerns shared with me as I have spoken with people both from urban, rural and remote communities
about lateral violence.
Let me be clear, I do not think there is an agenda on the part of governments to create the conditions
for lateral violence in our communities.
[118] In other words, this bullying can be seen as another example
of lateral violence impacting on our children and young people.
In addition to undermining the performance of our organisations,
lateral violence as workplace bullying appears to be having negative impacts on employment retention.
However, often this potential is not realised and the process that we need to follow to prove our native title provides opportunities for
lateral violence within our families, communities and organisations.
Human needs theory helps explain this further, giving us another way to look at what is happening below the surface of conflicts
like lateral violence.