Last year on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (23 November), Ms Worden noted the NT’s rate of domestic, family and sexual violence assaults to be three times the national average. Photo: Facebook/Kate Worden MLA.
Progressing with their commitment to reduce the rates of domestic, family and sexual violence in the Northern Territory, a new $2.41 million Men’s Behaviour Change program will begin in Katherine.
Following the lead of pilot initiatives in Darwin, Alice Springs and Wadeye, the tailored education service for men will run for three years. Within the syllabus are courses explaining what drives abusive behaviour, making express reference to alcohol and drugs as contributors.
Minister for Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Prevention Kate Worden said these programs supported men to take responsibility for their actions while receiving support to help them change.
“Domestic, family and sexual violence remains too prevalent in the Northern Territory,” said the Member for Sanderson.
“Addressing DFSV [domestic, family and sexual violence] requires long-term commitment across multilayered support services. By focusing on people who are using violence we have a better chance of intervening earlier, rather than waiting until crisis point.”
Last financial year nearly 100 men participated in the Alice Springs program, 58 in Darwin and 16 in Wadeye.
Under the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Action Plan 2, the NT Government hopes to attract more for the coming years through its $5.32 million expansion to the services.
The Commonwealth Government has invested $28.8 million into the FDSV [family, domestic and sexual violence] National partnership set up with the Northern Territory between 2021 and 2027. Under its portfolio is funding for this program, which is expected to have a service provider appointed by July.
Federal Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, said it was crucial for the approach to have a whole of government and society commitment.
“The First Action Plan under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022‑32 sets out a shared goal for all levels of government to create safer communities by empowering perpetrators to change their behaviour,” said the Member for Richmond.
“All levels of government must drive change by targeting the root causes of violence, holding people who choose to use violence to account, and stopping generational cycles of violence from repeating.”
