6 August 2025
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is investing in two new initiatives in partnership with Charles Darwin University (CDU) to address the root causes of domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) through education and research.
A $913,000 investment from the CLP Government will launch the NT's first DFSV Knowledge Exchange and deliver new university-level training to enhance frontline support and early intervention for people experiencing DFSV.
The first initiative will create the NT DFSV Knowledge Exchange - a Territory-first, wholly online network and evidence repository run by CDU's Molly Wardaguga Institute. The Exchange will bring together NT-specific evidence and experts, creating a central hub for research, service and policy collaboration. It's set to launch by mid-2027.
The second initiative will develop and deliver new university curricula to equip future professionals with the knowledge and skills to better support victim-survivors, with trauma-informed approaches embedded across key degrees such as social work, education, law, nursing and child protection. The new courses will roll out from 2027.
Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence, Robyn Cahill, said new approaches were needed to tackle the NT's persistently high rates of domestic violence.
"Change won't come from the status quo- business as usual is not working. We need new solutions that work in the Territory and help address the root causes of DFSV.
"This research unit will be a Territory-first - a place where our local knowledge, lived experience and frontline data come together to drive meaningful change. This investment will help us understand what's happening on the ground and shape responses that achieve real outcomes.
"Combining this research investment with training for future frontline workers is linking evidence with action, driving real change to reduce violence and making the Territory safer," said Ms Cahill.
Professor Yvette Roe, Director of CDU's Molly Wardaguga Institute, said, "Supporting communities to feel and be safer is critical for a thriving future generation for First Nations people in the NT. This initiative is an important step towards that goal."
Project lead, Associate Professor Kayli Wild, said, "Frontline workers across the Territory need more support. These initiatives will equip new graduates with the knowledge and skills to reduce trauma through systems and will include innovative new content on working with people who use violence.
"It will complement the strong in-service training already underway across the NT, contributing to a skilled, sustainable workforce to support better outcomes for people experiencing violence."
