Indigenous leaders from around Australia will appeal to Prime Minister John Howard today to help them tackle domestic violence in their communities.

Mr Howard says he is anxious to hear their suggestions.

He says that under existing policies, Indigenous communities are struggling with worsening social problems, including domestic violence.

"We really do have to try and find a different approach," he said.

"The first thing we have to do is to listen to what the credible leaders of the Aboriginal community have to say on the subject."

Former ATSIC chief Lowitja O'Donohue is one of the Indigenous leaders meeting the Prime Minister today.

She plans to tell Mr Howard all governments must invest more in preventing domestic violence in Aboriginal communities.

"It must have increased resources but I must have commitment first on the part of Commonwealth, state and territory governments," Ms O'Donohue said.

Mr Howard says Indigenous leaders themselves say domestic violence has reached crisis proportions in their communities.

"They're asking for help, they really are and we all have a responsibility to do something about it," Mr Howard said.

He says he called today's meeting to listen to the views of Indigenous leaders like Noel Pearson, Mick Dodson and Lowitja O'Donohue.

Ms O'Donohue says she is encouraged by the Prime Minister's interest.

"The fact that he has initiated the meeting, he must be serious about taking this matter forward and finding some answers," she said.

Mr Howard has accepted an invitation to visit some Indigenous communities on Cape York next week.