The Territory Labor Government is continuing its hard work to create generational change and safer communities with the launch of Action Plan 2 as part of the 10-year Domestic, Family and Violence Reduction Framework.
Action Plan 2 will steer the next phase of reforms to achieve the Framework’s long-term vision of all Territorians living their lives free from violence.
Minister for Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Prevention Kate Worden said Action Plan 2 would be underpinned by an additional $20 million in funding over two years.
The investment builds on the $25 million provided in 2022-23 to the sector for prevention projects, perpetrator intervention programs and safety and recovery services for survivors.
There is also $6.49 million as part of an ongoing commitment to continuing programs from Action Plan 1.
Action Plan 2 builds on key achievements of Action Plan 1, including the Family Safety Framework, an evidence-based risk assessment framework, victim survivor supports, ongoing funding for a specialist DSFV court in Alice Springs and legal reform.
Action Plan 2 outlines new prevention and response initiatives aimed at reducing the impact Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV) has across the NT.
The new initiatives include a DFSV co-responder model which will see victim survivor support organisations work alongside police while responding to DFSV incidents in Alice Springs.
The model will be developed in consultation with stakeholders and draw upon the experience of similar pilot projects across Australia.
Other deliverables under Action Plan 2 include:
o establishing an Aboriginal led DFSV prevention initiatives fund
o strengthening the response of specialist services for child victim survivors
o expanding domestic and family violence programs in prisons while also providing counselling services to women in custody
o expanding men’s behaviour change programs in community settings
o strengthening the specialist DFSV court in Alice Springs, including additional legal supports.
The new initiatives have been informed by data analysis, research, consultation, and work with experts from across the DFSV sector.
It sets out a clear whole-of-government and community roadmap for reducing and responding to DFSV in partnership with all government agencies, the DFSV sector, Aboriginal Community Controlled organisations, and the wider community.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Kate Worden
“This action plan builds on a significant journey the Northern Territory Government has been on to reduce the impact violence has in our community.
“We continue to build a system in the Northern Territory that is based on prevention and education, support for victim-survivors, and accountability and reform for people who use violence.
“Domestic, family and sexual violence remains too prevalent in the Northern Territory. But we are making progress and this action plan will build on the good work that has already been done.
“Specialist frontline services are our valued partners in providing a trauma-informed, victim-centred response. We stand with you to achieve our vision where everyone is safe, respected and free from violence.
Northern Territory Government
