2024 No More Violence rally at Parliament House, Darwin
In the midst of an anti-domestic violence rally on the steps of Parliament House, the NT government committed millions over the forward estimates to addressing the worsening crisis.
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In the midst of an anti-domestic violence rally on the steps of Parliament House, the NT government committed $180 million over the forward estimates to addressing the crisis.
It comes as the nation mourns 54 women who died in relation to domestic violence incidents.
Prevention of Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence Minister Kate Worden said Chief Minister Eva Lawler agreed to the 10-year investment on Friday.
The funding goes towards the NT government’s DFSV Action Plan Two, which spans 2018-2028.
The unplanned announcement was met with loud applause from the crowd as Ms Worden said the government was also working on developing the sector’s first peak body in the NT.
“As a returned government, we will absolutely make sure that it’s fully funded and that the services get the funding they need... so that every woman in the Northern Territory has that right to be safe,” she said.
According to the NT government’s Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Reduction Framework 2018-2028, the Territory’s police officers respond to about 61 domestic violence incidents every day.
The framework said there were four domestic violence-related homicides per 100,000 Territorians per year.
Speaking to the crowd, Domestic Violence Legal Service Managing Solicitor Zara O’Sullivan said the national rate of domestic violence was up 30 per cent from last year.
“For us here in the Northern Territory, we have the highest rates and most severe cases of domestic family and sexual violence,” she said.
“What these statistics sadly do not capture is the number of women living in fear of violence at the hands of men.
“This is a silent statistic, ignored, not plastered across our headlines.”
Ms O’Sullivan said even though the day’s rally focused on “men’s use of violence”, it should open a “conversation that involves everyone”.
“Everyone should have a problem with any use of violence,” she said.
Activist Crystal Love Johnson said change was a 24/7 process made up of small pieces each and every day.
“Enough is enough – how can we make a change?
“By talking and helping, and by accepting that you make a difference in our community.
“By writing or actually being there for a person, you’re making a change.
“Change comes every day... (and) we all have the power and the power within ourselves to make a change.”
See the photos.
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