More than $10m in funding available now for domestic, family and sexual violence in NT

The Federal Government has brought forward more than $10m in funding to target domestic, family and sexual violence in the Territory.

THE Federal Government will bring forward more than $10 million in funding for family, domestic and sexual violence in the Northern Territory after a request from the Territory Government.

The funding, provided under the National Partnership on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses, will be made available now instead of waiting until the October federal budget.

“One woman dies every 10 days in Australia at the hands of her former or current partner and we know Indigenous women and children are at higher risk of experiencing family and domestic violence,” Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said.

“Importantly this funding will also help First Nations women and children living in rural and remote communities across the Northern Territory.”

Minister for Families and Social Services of Australia Amanda Rishworth says the funding is a result of NTG advocacy. Picture: Floss Adams.

Ms Rishworth said the funding would be provided for family, domestic and sexual violence helplines, housing and accommodation services, specialist support services for children and perpetrator interventions and men’s behaviour change programs across the NT.

She said the decision to bring forward the funding came as a result of meetings with the Territory government.

“The issues faced in the Northern Territory are significant so based on the meeting and discussions we decided to bring it forward so that planning and delivery can start happening,” she said.

“It’s come directly as a result of the advocacy from the Northern Territory Government.”

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles welcomed access to the money, as the need for community-based programs was very high in the Territory.

Minister for Families and Social Services of Australia Amanda Rishworth speaking at a press conference alongside Chief Minister Natasha Fyles. Picture: Floss Adams.

“The complexities and challenges we have in the Territory are far greater than any other jurisdiction. Since 2016 the Territory Labor Government has invested over $158m into tackling domestic, family and sexual violence. But we know more needs to be done.”

Minister for Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Kate Worden said funding for these programs was urgently needed.

“Our domestic homicide rate is six times the national average — Our rate of domestic and family violence related assaults is three times the national average and is three times higher than any other Australian jurisdiction,” she said.

“Our funding should not be based on population size, we are grateful we have a federal government who has listened to our concerns.

“The extra $10.7m enables a total investment of $54 million this year to address and prevent domestic family and sexual violence here in the Northern Territory.”

Originally published as More than $10m in funding available now for domestic, family and sexual violence in NT