Extra $8.2m for domestic violence frontline amid ‘enormous’ need for funding

Dozens of frontline services across the NT will share in $8.4m funding – while movement on $180m promised to the sector remains stalled.

Dozens of frontline services across the Northern Territory will share in $8.4m to help prevent domestic violence and keep families safe.

The funds will support 24 frontline providers to run vital programs such as women’s safe houses, legal services, and community-led initiatives aimed at reducing domestic, family and sexual violence.

The NT government contributed more than 90 per cent of the funding, while the rest came from the Federal Government as part of the National Partnership Agreement.

The money comes in addition to $180m which has been promised to the DV frontline over the next five years, but is yet to start rolling out.

Many in the sector have expressed frustration at the delay while the CLP audits a stakeholder-designed plan for the funds.

YWCA Regional Manager NT Rachael Uebergang said it was well known the DV frontline had enormous need for more support. Picture: Fia Walsh.

YWCA Regional Manager NT Rachael Uebergang said there was critical need for more frontline resources, but her focus was on helping vulnerable Territorians.

“My frustration is that we haven’t ended gendered violence against women and children...my frustration is that as we stand here and talk there are children suffering and women suffering,” she said.

“It’s well known that the need is enormous, we’ve had another loss of life this year already, which is absolutely devastating.

“We just have to maintain a positive outlook, we have to work together productively, because that’s what we owe to the people who are living with violence every day.”

The YWCA Domestic and Family Violence Centre in Darwin and Palmerston will receive $550,000 of the $8.4m, to deliver flexible responses to DFSV. This includes: safety planning, targeted and individualised case management, and assistance with things such as housing, police, and referrals to legal assistance, as well as implement the Risk Assessment and Management Framework.

Domestic Violence Prevention Minister Robyn Cahill has announced an extra $8.4m to support frontline domestic violence services in the NT. Picture: Fia Walsh.

Domestic Violence Prevention Minister Robyn Cahill said announcements on the $180m rollout were imminent, and the delay had been important to direct money where it would make a difference.

“We’re seeing some situations where considerable amounts of money have been directed to organisations that have been working really, really hard – doing their absolute utmost to have an impact in this area – but we’re not actually seeing the results on the ground,” she said.

“So the situation there would be that you then go, ‘okay, how can we amend what we’re doing?’”

Ms Cahill said more funding was needed from the Federal Government to meet the Territory’s acute need.

“We have a particular crisis here in our Aboriginal communities, and we need to be working with them on the ground,” she said.

“The way in which the funding is (delivered) at the moment doesn’t enable that to be adequately funded.”

Federal Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth has been in the NT this week, making several domestic violence funding announcements including $12.2m to establish three Men’s Wellness Centres in the Top End, $9m for Central Australian DV services, and $7.8m for new emergency homes in Alice Springs.

Originally published as Extra $8.2m for domestic violence frontline amid ‘enormous’ need for funding