Domestic & Family Violence Conference 2026
About the Conference
The CMRH Conference 2026 brings together leading researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and community organisations to explore culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and community-led approaches to improving health and wellbeing among migrant and refugee communities.
This year’s conference highlights the importance of evidence-based research, community partnerships, and collaborative action in addressing complex social issues such as family violence, mental health, and systemic inequities.
🗓️ Date: Saturday, 1 August 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Victoria University, 295 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC
🆓 Cost: Free to attend (registration required)


Why This Conference Matters
Domestic and family violence (DFV) remains one of Australia’s most pressing public health and social challenges. For South Sudanese communities, and for many culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations, the impacts of DFV are intensified by post-immigration pressures, trauma histories, cultural transitions, and systemic barriers that limit access to safety, justice, and support.
South Sudanese families in Victoria and across Australia continue to navigate complex settlement environments. These include financial stress, employment instability, language barriers, intergenerational conflict, and differing understandings of DFV within Australian legal and policy systems. These realities underscore the need for culturally informed, community-led platforms that strengthen prevention, early intervention, response, and recovery.
South Sudanese Families in Australia: Key Census Insights
The presence of 1,608 oneparent families is a critical indicator of vulnerability. Oneparent households, particularly those led by women are consistently associated with higher exposure to DFV, financial stress, housing insecurity, and social isolation. Understanding these patterns is essential for designing culturally responsive, communitydriven solutions.
Keynote Speakers

Dr. Titus S. Olorunnisola
Dr Titus S. Olorunnisola is the Founding Director of the Action Research Centre (ARC) and a Senior Lecturer at Whitley College, University of Divinity. An interdisciplinary researcher, his work focuses on family violence, social justice and evidence-based policy, with a commitment to developing culturally responsive, community-led solutions for marginalised communities.

Dr. Anyier Yuol
Dr Anyier Yuol is a researcher and founder of Lead Beyond Education, a charity empowering refugee and culturally diverse women and girls. An Adjunct Fellow at Western Sydney University, her work focuses on gender, migration and cultural identity, while advising on refugee settlement policy and community development through the NSW Settlement Advisory Council.

Andrew Gai
Andrew Gai is a Family Violence Practice Lead and community leader with more than 16 years’ experience supporting children, families and communities. Specialising in domestic and family violence prevention since 2018, he champions culturally informed practice, behaviour change and stronger, safer relationships, drawing on both his professional expertise and lived experience as a South Sudanese refugee.
Presenters & Panelists

Dr. Berhan Ahmed
Panelist
Dr Berhan M. Ahmed is Chairperson of the African Think Tank, Founder and CEO of Africaus Youth & Community Services, and an Adjunct Professor at both The University of Melbourne and Victoria University. A former Victorian Australian of the Year, he is a nationally recognised leader in multicultural engagement, community development and social justice, with decades of experience advancing equity, inclusion and stronger communities.

Deng M. Kor
Panelist
Human Rights and Public Health Advocate; Family Violence Practitioner; Co‑Founder, Community Abundance Inc.; Social Worker, Clinical Supervisor, Mentor, and a Recognised Change‑Maker within the African‑Australian Community in Victoria.

Monica Majak
Board Member & Panelist
Mrs Monica Majak is a community advocate, aged care professional and longstanding leader of the Sudanese Mothers Coalition in Victoria. With over 16 years’ experience in community and health services, she has championed women’s empowerment, maternal and child health, and partnerships across Australia and South Sudan, earning recognition for her leadership and advocacy.

Elizabeth Majok
Speaker & JAMMA Project Coordinator
A founding member of JAMMA since 2018, she has led programs focused on youth development, education, employment and family support, drawing on extensive experience in community development, humanitarian work and public service both in Australia and East Africa.

Kenyatta Dei Wal
Presenter
Kenyatta is the Manager of JAMMA and a respected African Australian community leader with more than 20 years’ experience in youth work, community engagement and multicultural services. He is passionate about strengthening community safety, empowering families and fostering culturally responsive programs that promote inclusion, resilience and social cohesion.

Silvi Palmer
Event MC
Silvi Palmer is a PhD candidate at Victoria University, family violence survivor, published poet and co-organiser of the 2026 Family and Domestic Violence Conference. Her research explores survivor experiences through poetic ethnography, and she works closely with CMRH and Africause to advance culturally informed responses to family violence.

Sarah Barberi
Speaker
Sarah Berberi is an experienced counsellor at Foundation House with more than 25 years’ experience supporting people displaced by war and conflict. Specialising in trauma-informed care and PTSD, she combines evidence-based counselling with culturally responsive approaches.

Andrew Ohide
South Sudanese Community Association of Victoria
Andrew Ohide is the Interim Chairperson of the SSCAV and a respected community leader with more than 15 years’ experience supporting South Sudanese and multicultural communities. He is committed to strengthening community connections, empowering young people and promoting inclusion through advocacy, collaboration and leadership.

Asunta Majur
Panellist
Ms Asunta Majur is an education and community development professional with more than 15 years’ experience supporting children, young people and culturally diverse families. Passionate about education, family engagement and domestic violence prevention, she champions culturally responsive approaches that strengthen wellbeing, inclusion and safer communities.

Andrew Cummins / Scott Williams
Speaker / Detective Snr Sergeant
Andrew Cummins is a Victoria Police officer with more than 20 years’ experience. With an extensive background in family violence investigations, sexual offences, homicide and other high-harm crimes, he now serves as the Family Violence Training Officer for North-West Metro Division 3, helping strengthen frontline responses to family violence.
Conference Program & Schedule
Keynote Sessions
Hear from leading experts, researchers and community leaders as they explore the realities of domestic and family violence within South Sudanese communities. These keynote presentations will provide valuable insights into current challenges, lived experiences and culturally informed approaches to prevention and support.
Gain a deeper understanding of the issues shaping communities today while learning from professionals who are driving meaningful change across research, advocacy and frontline services.

Panel Discussions
Join an engaging panel featuring representatives from community organisations, academia, government and specialist services as they discuss practical solutions to addressing domestic and family violence.
Through open conversation and diverse perspectives, the panel will explore opportunities for collaboration, share lessons learned, and answer questions from attendees.

Research Presentations
Discover the latest research, data and emerging trends relating to domestic and family violence in multicultural communities. Presentations will highlight current evidence, identify gaps in research and examine opportunities to improve services and outcomes.
These sessions are designed to bridge research with real-world practice, supporting informed decision-making across community and service sectors.

Community Dialogues
Community voices are at the heart of this conference. These sessions provide a safe and respectful space for participants to share lived experiences, explore challenges and contribute ideas that can help shape future responses.
Together, we’ll foster meaningful conversations that strengthen trust, encourage understanding and empower communities to lead positive change.

Breakout Sessions
Choose from a range of interactive workshops focused on practical topics including safe reporting practices, trauma-informed support, community services, research priorities and family violence awareness.
Led by experienced facilitators, these smaller sessions encourage discussion, collaboration and the sharing of knowledge that participants can apply within their own communities and organisations.

Networking Opportunities
Connect with community leaders, service providers, researchers, government representatives and fellow attendees throughout the day. Networking opportunities are designed to build relationships, encourage collaboration and strengthen partnerships beyond the conference.
Whether you’re seeking new connections or looking to share your work, these informal sessions provide the perfect opportunity to engage with others committed to creating safer, stronger communities.

Register Today
Attendance is free, but registrations are essential. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with experts, participate in interactive workshops and contribute to meaningful conversations that inspire safer, stronger communities.

The CMRH Conference 2026 is proudly supported by a broad coalition of partners,
funders, and stakeholders committed to advancing health equity and community wellbeing.
Funders


Event Partners








Government & Institutional Stakeholders



References & Resources
The following references & resources are to help you better understand what will be discussed, as well as options available to you for help.
References
Family, domestic and sexual violence in Australia: continuing the national story 2019: in brief
National Action Plan to End Violence Against Women and Girls 2022 – 2032
Resources
Social Justice Statement 2022-2023







