Take THE STAND - Launched today
Today, in front of a crowd of community members, businesses, sporting clubs, frontline workers and political leaders, we launched THE STAND — a bold, community-driven initiative to end domestic and family violence.
We began with a powerful truth:
Ninety women.
Their names may not be known to us all, but their lives mattered. And today, we take a big step in honouring them — not just with silence, but with action.
As NO MORE Founder Dr Charlie King AM said at the launch:
“I’m proud to introduce THE STAND — our invitation to all people to play a role in ending domestic and family violence. Because change doesn't just come from the top. It comes from all of us. In our workplaces. In our sporting clubs. In our communities.”
What is THE STAND
THE STAND is a Territory-wide movement inviting clubs, workplaces, community groups and remote communities to create Domestic Violence Action Plans (DVAPs). These are practical, locally-driven strategies to prevent violence and build safer spaces. We’re calling for 90 DVAPs in 90 days — one for each woman we’ve lost.
And we’re not starting from scratch. Ten plans have already been signed. That means 80 more opportunities to lead.
“These plans aren’t just words on a page,” said Charlie. “They’re real, practical steps that make a difference.”
Why Now
Domestic and family violence in the Northern Territory is more than three times the national average. In some communities, up to eight in ten women have experienced it. But DFV doesn’t discriminate. It affects people of every race, gender and background. And ending it will take all of us.
“While Aboriginal women are disproportionately impacted in the NT, domestic violence affects people from every culture, background and suburb,” said Jayne Lloyd, Director of CatholicCare NT. “THE STAND not only helps raise awareness, it creates collective action to stop it.”
Why ‘THE STAND’
In sport, the grandstand is where your biggest supporters sit. They might not be on the field, but they influence the game. Just like everyday people can influence change.
You don’t need to be on the frontline to make a difference. Whether you're a teammate, colleague, supervisor, neighbour or friend — your support and actions matter.
And for those on the frontline, today we say thank you. The crisis workers, case managers, counsellors, safe house staff, police officers, men’s behaviour change facilitators, court support workers and more — you carry the weight of this work every day. We see you.
What is a DVAP
A Domestic Violence Action Plan (DVAP) is a commitment to take real action. Every plan is different because every organisation is different. Some examples include:
- Hosting a NO MORE Round to raise awareness in your sporting club
- Doing a DFV safety audit in your workplace
- Making sure your team knows about DFV leave and support options
- Offering DFV training through Lifeline, PART or the NO MORE team
We’ve got templates, resources and support available at www.thestand.org.au. You don’t have to do it alone. And we welcome new ideas that haven’t even been thought of yet.
How to Take THE STAND
Show your support. Share the message. Donate to the NO MORE Campaign so we can continue this work.
- Nominate a club, workplace or community group you think should take THE STAND. We’ll reach out to them directly.
- Create your own DVAP. If 90 organisations each commit to just three or four actions, that’s over 300 new steps being taken in our communities — steps that aren’t happening now.
“Taking a stand is powerful,” said Charlie. “It means committing to something. It means saying: enough is enough.”
Watch the Launch Video
THE STAND launched today in partnership with INPEX. Watch the video to see what leadership looks like and how community can come together for change.
“We’ve worked closely with sport for many years,” Charlie said, “but it’s time to broaden our reach. DFV affects every part of society — and our prevention efforts must reflect that.”
Join the Movement
If you’re ready to lead change where you live, work or play — take THE STAND with us.
- Create your DVAP
- Nominate a group
- Contact us
“This is about turning remembrance into action.”
— Dr Charlie King AM, NO MORE Founder