Learning from community voices about lateral violence and lateral empowerment: a scoping review of grey literature

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth are vulnerable to racism, trauma and Lateral Violence (LV) where negative feelings and behaviours are directed towards members within their own oppressed group. Conversely, Lateral Empowerment (LE) is the collective prevention and repair of the effects of LV and promotes resilience and strength. There is limited peer reviewed literature directly relating to LV and LE. Objective This review focuses on grey literature to gain greater insight into the understanding and experiences of LV/LE among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people within Australia. Method This grey literature scoping review identified N = 38 documents between January 1980 and September 2023 related to LV or LE to gain a greater insight into the understanding of LV and LE among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community outside of published publications. Results The results elucidated that the experience of LV for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth is largely based upon internalised racism pertaining to Aboriginal identity. Strength-based gender-specific approaches which focus upon positive cultural experiences, the use of lived experience mentors and the inclusion of family were identified as the foundation for LE. Conclusion The grey literature review highlights that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community are taking an active role in addressing and preventing LV through culturally informed practices and approaches based upon the truth telling of Australia’s colonial history. There remains the need for specific approaches directed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth to help prevent and address LV/LE.