Domestic, family and sexual violence reduction

Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Reduction Framework 2018-2028

The Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Reduction Framework 2018-2028 represents our ten year strategy to reduce domestic, family and sexual violence. It builds on the achievements of the Northern Territory Government’s previous domestic and family violence strategy – Safety is Everyone’s Right. This new framework – Safe, Respected and Free from Violence – reflects our combined efforts, knowledge and ideas to reduce violence and work together to achieve safer homes, communities, workplaces and schools.

Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Reduction Framework 2018-2028 PDF (2.8 MB)

Action Plan 1

Action Plan 1: Changing Attitudes, Intervening Earlier and Responding Better (2018-2021) focuses on the first phase of implementation and describes how government will implement actions under five key outcomes:

  • Domestic, family and sexual violence is prevented and not tolerated
  • Territorians at risk of experiencing violence are identified early and provided with effective interventions
  • People experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence are protected and helped to recover and thrive
  • Perpetrators are held accountable and connected early to responses that change their behaviours and reduce violence
  • Legislation, policy and funding models enable a responsive, high quality and accountable domestic, family and sexual violence service system.

Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Reduction Framework 2018-2028 Action Plan 1 PDF (2.7 MB).

Northern Territory Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Framework 2020-2028

The Northern Territory Government is proud to release the Northern Territory Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Framework 2020-2028 PDF (6.2 MB) and the Framework's Priority Actions 2020-2021 PDF (1.4 MB).

The Northern Territory Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Framework (SVPRF) Is a priority under Action Plan 1: Changing Attitudes, Intervening Earlier and Responding Better (2018-2021).

This is the first time the Northern Territory Government has set out a comprehensive whole of government, whole of community approach to prevent and respond to sexual violence.

While sexual violence is a complex and sensitive issue that can be difficult to talk about, there is a willingness in the Northern Territory community to talk about it.

Specialist services, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Attorney General and Justice, Corrections, Health, Police, Education and the Office of the Commissioner of Public Employment are amongst the agencies that informed the development of the Framework.

For those who have advocated for action to prevent and improve responses to sexual violence for many years, this Framework would not have been possible without your sustained efforts.

We acknowledge the Territorians who have experienced sexual violence as children, young people or as adults, along with their friends, families, communities and supporters. Even if you have never told anyone about the sexual violence you experienced, we trust that this document reflects something of your story.

We would like to thank stakeholders in Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, non-government organisations, government agencies and the community for sharing their time and expertise with Territory Families staff during the development the Framework.

Priority Actions 2020-2021

The Priority Actions 2020-2021 PDF (1.4 MB) focus on actions under six key outcomes:

  • Outcome 1: Sexual violence is recognised, understood, prevented and not tolerated.
  • Outcome 2: Children and young people who experience sexual violence are safe, and supported to heal.
  • Outcome 3: Children and young people who engage in harmful sexual behaviours are safe, and supported to heal.
  • Outcome 4: Adults who experience sexual violence are safe and supported to heal.
  • Outcome 5: Adults who commit sexual violence are held accountable through the justice system and have access to programs that change behaviour.
  • Outcome 6: Services and systems are strengthened to respond to the needs of people who have experienced sexual violence.

Consultation

Consultations for the Framework included meetings with over 50 specialist domestic and family violence services and networks, specialist sexual violence service providers and representatives from Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations in Darwin, Nhulunbuy, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.

A discussion paper and survey was also released for public consultation, feedback and suggestions to inform the development of the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Framework.

Sharing and Strengthening our Practice Conference 2019

On 9 and 10 May 2019, over 170 people from over 40 government and non-government organisations, who work in and with the domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) sector across the Northern Territory came together for the inaugural biennial Sharing and Strengthening Our Practice Conference (the conference) in Darwin.

The two day conference provided a space for delegates to share and reflect on practice learnings, innovative approaches and how frontline workers, service deliverers and policy makers can support a responsive and high quality service system to reduce the impacts and incidences of DFSV.

Outcomes from the Conference, including feedback from delegates and presenters, are outlined in the Outcomes Report.

We received permission from the following presenters to publish their conference presentations:

Cross Agency Working Group

The implementation of the Northern Territory’s Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Framework 2018-2028: Safe, Respected and Free from Violence is being overseen by a Cross Agency Working Group (CAWG). The CAWG will drive collaboration, engagement, information sharing and problem resolution as Territory Families and its partner organisations implement Action Plan 1: Changing Attitudes, Intervening Earlier and Responding Better (2018-2021) PDF (2.7 MB).

The CAWG meets bi-monthly and releases a communique after each meeting.

Membership

Membership of the group includes Northern Territory government representatives, non-government representatives, and representatives from Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisation peaks.

Member organisations

  • Territory Families, Housing and Communities
  • Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory
  • Central Australian Family Violence and Sexual Assault Network
  • Darwin Domestic and Family Violence Network
  • Department of the Attorney-General and Justice
  • Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet
  • Department of Education
  • Department of Health
  • Katherine Local Reference Group
  • NT Correctional Services
  • NT Council of Social Service
  • NT Legal Assistance Forum
  • NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services
  • Tennant Creek Local Reference Group
  • Top End Remote Safe House Network

Last updated: 21 January 2021

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