The Kuop Maaman Djinaning-Bo Program (“Good Men Looking Forward”) is a culturally grounded, primary prevention initiative designed to address family and domestic violence (FDV) and trauma within Aboriginal communities on Nyungar (Perth) Country. Delivered in partnership with led by Dooga Waalitj Healing, the program centers on the empowerment and healing of male caregivers and young men, reconnecting them with culture, country, and community to foster both individual and collective resilience. Aligned with the Western Australia Path to Safety Strategy 2020–2030 and the Aboriginal Family Safety Strategy, Kuop Maaman Djinaning-Bo addresses key risk factors and traumatic histories that contribute to violence, supporting a safer environment for Aboriginal women and children.

Utilising Yarning Circles and On Country trips, the program offers safe, culturally significant spaces for male caregivers and young men to process trauma, explore their roles within family and community, and restore cultural pride and identity. Yarning Circles provide separate spaces where participants can speak openly about the challenges and responsibilities of being an Aboriginal man in today’s world, allowing them to safely express emotions, share stories, and begin to process intergenerational trauma. On Country trips further deepen this healing process by connecting participants to traditional Nyungar practices, where they engage in cultural customs, reawakening a connection to ancestral lands and heritage that strengthens mental and emotional well-being.

This trauma-informed approach helps participants develop stronger relationships with Elders and community leaders, offering mentorship and reinforcing cultural protocols. These connections aid in reframing trauma through cultural pride, kinship, and shared values, building a foundation of respect and accountability. By addressing the underlying drivers of violence and fostering community support networks, the Kuop Maaman Djinaning-Bo Program aims to create a generational shift in attitudes towards safety, identity, and healing, advancing primary prevention by empowering Nyungar men to lead with resilience and compassion.