Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence Robyn Cahill has flagged community safety as the top priority. Photo: Facebook.
In a move to try to break the cycle of domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV), the Northern Territory Government has announced Wurli Wurlinjang Health Service as the provider of the Men’s Behaviour Change Program in Katherine.
The pilot program in Katherine is a $2.46 million investment through the Australian Government’s National Partnership Agreement to provide specialist services for men who are perpetrators of domestic and family violence.
The approved program model will prioritise the safety of victim survivors through partner contact workers and bring together an understanding of the gendered drivers of DFSV, the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal people, and the problematic use of alcohol and other drugs as a reinforcing factor in DFSV.
“The NT Government’s number one priority is community safety and we are addressing this in the first sittings of parliament,” Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence Robyn Cahill said.
“This includes keeping women and children safe and supporting police and other frontline services to reduce crime, including domestic violence.
“Domestic, family and sexual violence needs to stop. Too many women are dying and too many children in the Territory are having their lives impacted by domestic and family violence and we need to take decisive action to put an end to this.
“This issue impacts all Territorians, and this program will provide men with the tools and resources they need to address their behaviours and end the cycle of violence.
“Men need to take accountability for their violence and these programs will support them to change their behaviours and in turn, improve the safety of women and children.”
Wurli, which was selected following consultation with local stakeholders, will design the program and implement the pilot by mid-2025.
It was identified as the chosen provider because of its experience in running established services including an alcohol and drugs service and whole-of-family safety planning, and in recognition of its strong community presence and connections with key service providers in Katherine.
Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said violence against women and children was a national shame.
“One life lost to family, domestic and sexual violence is one too many,” she said.
“Through the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032, all governments are committed to working together to end violence against women and children in one generation.
“This investment, along with the other significant investments the Albanese Government has made in the Northern Territory, is further proof of our dedication to address the disproportionate rates of violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children – and ultimately end gender-based violence.”
This will be the fourth regional pilot program in the Northern Territory, with programs already underway in Darwin, Alice Springs and Wadeye.
“This opportunity to invest in Aboriginal solutions for our community is timely for a partnership with the Katherine Big Rivers Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services working together to address this jointly,” Wurli Wurlinjang Health Service Aboriginal CEO Nathan Rosas said.
“We feel that together, united, we can achieve better outcomes to reduce domestic and family violence in our community.”
