NT ‘families are stronger, children are safer’ as government’s circuit breaker program called a success
A 1.4 per cent reduction in incidents – and a 33 per cent drop in DV in Alice Springs – is being attributed by to a NT government intervention program, which has now reached a milestone. Find out more.
A year after its launch, a government intervention “circuit breaker” program is being labelled a success, with a drop in domestic violence offending in Alice Springs proof the program is working the NT Government says.
Domestic violence incidents have dropped 33 per cent in the Red Centre capital – with the NT seeing a 1.4 per cent drop in “incidents” – according to NT children and families minister Robyn Cahill, who’s attributed the drop to the government’s “circuit breaker program”.
Launched December 9 last year, Ms Cahill said “the vision has been realised” one year on.
“Families are stronger, children are safer, and communities are more confident that the cycle of violence and unsafe behaviour can be prevented,” she said.
“Circuit Breaker tackles the root causes that put young people at risk including exposure to violence, trauma, school disengagement and family instability. By supporting families earlier, we are helping break the patterns that lead to harm and unsafe behaviour.”
Minister Cahill said 400 youths and families have engaged in the early intervention program, which runs in Alice Springs, Darwin, Tennant Creek, and Katherine.
Further evidence of the program’s success was provided by Minister Cahill, who said a “Darwin family” had lifted their school attendance to over 70 per cent with support from the program.
An unnamed 16-year-old boy from Alice Springs also increased his school attendance through the program, Minister Cahill said, and is now is in his first job.
More than 200 family responsibility agreements have also been made through the program, she said.
The intervention program is funded through the NT government’s $180 million (over five years) investment into combating the scourge of domestic violence in the NT.
“The success of Circuit Breaker shows what is possible when a young person is given the tools and encouragement to thrive,” Ms Cahill said.
“When young people stay in school, stay connected to safe family and feel supported, communities are stronger and safer.”
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Originally published as NT ‘families are stronger, children are safer’ as government’s circuit breaker program called a success
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