About NO MORE . . .
The NO MORE. . . campaign brings together people and resources to support grass-roots action to reduce violence and abuse, and to make families safe.
Men’s Voices coming through
Charlie King, well-known Territory ABC commentator and welfare activist, spoke with Indigenous men across the Northern Territory between 2006 and 2008 about why violence occurs and what can be done to reduce it and how to build strong and healthy family relationships.
Indigenous Men Caring for their Families was published in June 2008, reporting men’s views. Indigenous men very clearly said: NO MORE... to the use of violence and abuse. They want to be part of solving this deep and difficult problem, to be respected members of their family and community, and to accept the responsibilities that come with these roles.
Linking arms as a symbol of commitment and strength
Men attending the Darwin meeting in 2006 stood up and linked arms, creating an enduring symbol of their commitment to strengthen families through non-violence.
This action spread to AFL football teams in the Lightning Carnival in Alice Springs, the NTFL Grand Final and the Tiwi Island Grand Final. It continues to grow, underpinned by education and information, and connected with the AFL’s Respect and Responsibility program (hyperlink).
Indigenous Men in the Northern Territory are starting to stand up in numbers against family violence, and for stronger participation by men in family life and community solutions.
Members of the NT Strong Men's Council link arms against violence.
Action on the ground
With funding from the Federal Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, CatholicCare NT is working with twenty communities initially to establish Men's Groups to plan and undertake local action to reduce violence.
A Strong Families Award program has been initiated by CatholicCare NT to recognise the efforts of those many people who work hard every day to deal with and reduce violence and abuse.
The campaign is reaching out to involve other sports and fields of activity in standing up and in spreading the message against violence.
Richard Tambling of Richmond and Nathan Lovett-Murray
of Essendon link arms at the 2008 Dreamtime Match