Orange-clad Territorians rally against family and domestic violence in the NT

Territorians have taken a stance against family and domestic violence after an ‘insidious’ number of reports were made in just one night. We reveal how many urgent calls have been made.

Territorians are standing against family and domestic violence in the NT as part of the UN’s 16 days of activism against gendered violence.

NT Police received 5995 reports of domestic violence related assaults between October 2021 and September 2022.

A crowd of orange-clad Territorians united at Casuarina Shopping Square on Friday to raise awareness of the Territory’s “insidious number” of family and domestic violence incidents.

NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker and Equality and Inclusion Minister Lauren Moss discussed family and domestic violence in the NT. Picture: Zizi Averill

NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker, who attended the day’s rally, said police responded to 97 incidents of family and domestic violence across the Territory overnight Thursday.

“The impact is very palpable, it’s meant to be the time of the year where we all go into the festive season,” he said.

“It should be about family, it should be about loved ones and looking after each other, it’s really an opportune time to talk about this message.

“It is incumbent on all of us, if we see family and domestic violence to report it.

“Our phones are ringing hot at the moment, but please call because it may just save a life.”

Territorians made and raised signs to raise awareness of family and domestic violence in the NT. Picture: Zizi Averill

Mr Chalker said alcohol was often linked to family and domestic violence related assaults.

“It’s present probably 70 to 80 per cent of the time,” he said.

Mr Chalker said it was up to the community to protect and support the Territory’s women and children in particular.

“They’re the large majority of the victims that we’re dealing with,” he said.

“It’s a collective effort, we shouldn’t be seeing women and children being assaulted to the levels they are.”

Prevention of Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence Minister Kate Worden participated in the rally. Picture: Zizi Averill

Prevention of Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence Minister Kate Worden and Equality and Inclusion Minister Lauren Moss also attended the day’s rally.

Both held signs to condemn population-based funding.

For 24-hour domestic violence support call the national hotline 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or MensLine on 1800 600 636.

The Suicide Call Back service is available on 1300 659 467.

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Originally published as Orange-clad Territorians rally against family and domestic violence in the NT