Lateral violence occurs when the violence associated with oppression is internalised by those who are oppressed, and redirected between the members of the oppressed group. Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples oppressed by colonisation, it has been described as ‘the organised, harmful behaviours that we do to each other collectively as part of an oppressed group; within our families, within our organisations and within our communities’. Commissioner Gooda looks at the role lateral violence plays in undermining the governance of Indigenous institutions and organisations; in dividing communities and families; and in negatively impacting on the social and emotional well-being of Indigenous individuals. He challenges the world community of psychotherapists to work with Indigenous peoples to understand this problem and to help to ameliorate its negative impact
