No more violence, no more silence: NT marches to put a stop to family and domestic violence

Hundreds gathered to march in Casuarina Square on Friday to say no more to domestic violence. SEE PHOTOS BELOW.

‘No more’, shouted hundreds of Territorians – no more violence, no more silence.

Hundreds marched through Casuarina Square on Friday to link up and say ‘no more to family and domestic violence’ as part of the NO MORE campaign.

The event, which coincides with the international 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, is an annual initiative that encourages people to ‘break the silence’ of family and domestic violence.

Australian of the Year 2023 Local Hero nominee and Larrakia activist Nicole Brown performed a Welcome to Country before sharing her own experiences with domestic violence and lateral violence – a form of harm, anger and rage directed towards members in a marginalised community.

“I know how deeply these forms of violence can cut,” she said.

“Domestic violence leaves you feeling unsafe in your own home, while lateral violence can make your own community, a place that’s meant to provide strength, feel isolating.

“The NO MORE campaign is not just about saying no to violence, it’s about saying yes to hope, to healing and to unity.

“It’s about breaking the silence that allows abuse to thrive and creating spaces where people feel safe to share their stories.

“Let’s honour my ancestors by breaking the cycles of violence and creating a future where every person, especially our women and children, can live in safety, dignity, and respect.”

Joining Ms Brown to speak was Courtney Ugle, a former AFLW player who shared her personal experiences with domestic violence; Jye Cardona, who talked about the importance of working with young people to break the cycle; and Holly Gurruwiwi, a lived experience advisor to the National Domestic Violence Commissioner.

Recently the NT government recognised the existing plan to tackle domestic violence was not working and there would need to be an audit undertaken before a promised $180m could be distributed to domestic violence services - likely to progress early next year.

“It is clear to me that what we are doing in this space is not working - we need readjustment,” Domestic Violence Prevention Minister Robyn Cahill said.

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