Action Plans mark a powerful community stand against domestic violence
NO MORE is proud to announce that THE STAND has reached and exceeded its goal of 90 Domestic and Family Violence Action Plans (DVAPs) — honouring the more than 90 women who have lost their lives to domestic and family violence in the Northern Territory.
Launched in August, THE STAND called on workplaces, sporting clubs, community groups and businesses to take practical steps to end violence. The campaign has now far surpassed its goal, with over 100 completed DVAPs and more than 600 individual actions pledged across the Territory.
Plans have come from every corner of the Northern Territory — including Tennant Creek, Wadeye, Maningrida, Tiwi Islands, Alice Springs, Katherine and Darwin — and even from some organisations interstate who have joined in solidarity to say "NO MORE" to violence.
NO MORE Founder Dr Charlie King AM said the milestone carries deep significance.
“We set out to honour the women who lost their lives to violence by asking the community to take action in their memory,” Dr King said. “Every plan represents a commitment — a promise — that their deaths will not be in vain. This is a powerful act of remembrance and responsibility, led by Territorians who refuse to accept violence as normal.”
CatholicCare NT Director, Jayne Lloyd OAM, said the success of THE STAND demonstrates what can happen when communities lead the way.
“This achievement belongs to the community — to the people and organisations who saw a problem and decided to act,” Ms Lloyd said. “From sporting organisations to Aboriginal communities, local services and small businesses — each one has taken a stand for safety, respect and equality.”
NO MORE Violence Prevention Manager, Narelle Gosstray, said the engagement from across sectors has been very encouraging.
“The willingness of the broader business community to engage in this process shows that despite the immense challenge in front of us to end violence, more and more people are taking on roles in this effort because we can’t do it alone,” Ms Gosstray said. “Even the process of developing a plan starts the change process and builds awareness about how individuals, businesses, and community groups can be part of the solution.”
The campaign also recognises our Community Champions whose leadership and dedication have helped inspire others to act and sustain the momentum of prevention across the Territory.
- Richard Finch – General Manager for INPEX in the Northern Territory (sponsor)
- Shaun Pearce – Chief Executive Officer, Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation
- Holly Supple-Gurruwiwi – Domestic Family Sexual Violence Educator
- Mitch Hardy – General Manager, Sport, Recreation and Strategic Infrastructure, Department of People, Sport and Culture
- Tony Crowe – General Manager, NRL NT
- Marcus Rosas – Kalano Community Association
NO MORE extends heartfelt thanks to all who took the time to create a plan and commit to action. This is not the end, but the beginning - as communities now move to implement their plans and turn commitments into lasting change.
For more information or to view the list of participating organisations, visit www.THESTAND.org.au