The Department of Children and Families concludes its 16 Days of Activism support, reflecting on a powerful campaign that united communities across the Northern Territory, and reaffirming that the work to prevent violence continues every day of the year.
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign that runs from 25 November to 10 December each year with the theme in 2025 'UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls'.
Department of Children and Families (DCF) Chief Executive Officer Brent Warren said the campaign is more than just a 2-week conversation.
"This campaign isn't just a set of dates on a calendar. It's a call to action, and a reminder of our shared responsibility to build safer homes, workplaces, schools and communities," Mr Warren said.
"We are proud to see so many Territorians standing with us, showing leadership and heart over the past 16 days, and we thank everyone who took part."
This year's global theme recognised the growing role technology plays in enabling control, harassment and intimidation. The campaign wraps up as the Australian Government's social media ban for under 16s comes into effect.
Executive Director of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV) Prevention Seranie Gamble, said the theme is a timely reminder that online safety affects people of all ages.
"Technology facilitated abuse is not limited to young people. One in 2 Australian adults has experienced some form of digital abuse, and one in 5 people aged 18-25 believe it's ok to track their partner," Ms Gamble said.
"Social media and digital platforms can amplify harmful behaviours, but they can also be places where respect, safety and accountability are modelled."
Across the Northern Territory, nearly 40 events were held including webinars, workshops, community breakfasts, and regional movie nights. The department's DFSV Prevention team Regional Coordinators collaborated with local services, councils and community groups to deliver these events and strengthen local conversations about online safety and respect.
The Territory's role in the national prevention effort was also recognised with a visit from the DFSV Commissioner Micaela Cronin and Assistant Commissioner Jenna Roberts who met with the DFSV Prevention team during the campaign.
"Their visit reinforced the importance of national alignment and collaboration," DCF Chief Executive Brent Warren said.
"Our conversations focused on the Territory's prevention efforts, the DFSV Reduction Strategy and Safety Roadmap and how we continue working together to deliver long-term change for communities across Australia."
The 16 Days campaign also coincided with the launch of the DFSV Reduction Strategy 2025-2028, which outlines the government's commitments across prevention, early intervention, response and system reform.
"The Strategy reflects a significant amount of work from our DFSV Prevention team, working with government, the sector, frontline services and Aboriginal community organisations, and those with lived experience, to deliver a clear, coordinated direction," Mr Warren said.
Executive Director (DFSV) Prevention Seranie Gamble recognised the efforts of her team and acknowledged the focus now is on delivering the actions, reporting on progress and working closely with partners to ensure Territorians see meaningful change.
As the festive season approaches, Territorians are also encouraged to look out for one another.
"The holidays can be a joyful time, but they can also increase pressure for some families," Ms Gamble said.
"Checking in, staying connected and modelling respectful behaviour - both in person and online - can make a real difference. We all have a responsibility to call out disrespect, controlling behaviour and online harm when we see it.
"The movement doesn't end today, preventing violence takes all of us, every day."
If you or someone you know needs support, help is available 24/7:
1800RESPECT - 1800 737 73213YARN (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples) - 13 92 76Lifeline - 13 11 14Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800Men's Referral Service - 1300 766 491Triple Zero (000) in an emergency
Visit Department of Children and Families here for information on digital abuse, respectful relationships, and the DFSV Reduction Strategy 2025-2028 and Safety Roadmap.
Regional highlights
Big Rivers Region
March Against Violence on 25 November at Ryan ParkKalkarindji and Dagaragu Women's Day - open to women and children from the community on 26 November at Kalkarindji Safe HouseYouth and Sisterhood workshop on 8 December at Katherine High SchoolKatherine parkrun on 6 December at the Katherine Hot SpringsArt for healing and awareness community BBQ on 26 November at the Australian Red Cross Office
Central Australia
Walk against gender-based violence on 26 November at the Civic CentreCAWLS community BBQ on 5 DecemberAlice Springs parkrun on 6 December at the Telegraph Station
Darwin, Palmerston and Rural
No More March on 5 December at Casuarina Shopping CentreNightcliff and Palmerston parkruns on 6 DecemberPower Panties PJ Brunch and Trivia on 7 December at the Precinct TavernPalmerston 'Lights It Up Purple' NIGHTLY lighting up of key infrastructure around Palmerston with purple, including the Water Tower, Rec Centre and the Palmerston Library.
Territory-wide (webinars/online)
WoSSCA and Relationships Australia: Mitigating vicarious trauma webinarRecognising online coercive control in young people's lives webinar by eSafetyAn Introduction to tech-based abuse - knowing how to respond webinar by eSafetyThe Digital Web: How technology weaves into the cycle of domestic, family and sexual violence webinar by eSafety
