Families and individuals experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV) in Alice Springs and Palmerston will now receive earlier, stronger and more coordinated support through the launch of the new Co-Responder Model.
The model brings together police, a child protection practitioner, victim-survivor specialist support service and specialist support service for people who use violence. By working side-by-side, the team can share information and respond together to families experiencing DFV, helping them access the right support sooner.
NT Police commenced full operations of the new program on Monday 29 September, with the Co-Responder team reviewing police data from DFV callouts to target early intervention strategies where they are needed most. Remaining support teams will be on board by 6 October.
The focus is on supporting people in the early stages of a relationship where violence may emerge, connecting them with support services such as housing, mental health, and alcohol and other drugs, and stepping in before the situation escalates.
Acting Commander Megan Blackwell of the Domestic Violence and Youth Command said trials in Alice Springs earlier this year have already shown the benefits of Police and specialist services working together.
“With the full launch of the Co-Responder Program, we expect to see a stronger, coordinated response to DFV and real improvements in community safety. It is anticipated the Co-Responder Model will expand to other regions across the Northern Territory in the future,” Commander Blackwell said.
These teams will work side by side with government and non-government partners to address the root causes of domestic violence and provide early support to individuals and families. The model will also engage people who use violence earlier through behaviour change programs, helping to break the cycle of violence.
Department of Children and Families’ Chief Executive Officer Brent Warren said domestic and family violence is recognised as a key risk factor for child abuse and neglect and often results in child protection notifications.
By co-locating a child protection practitioner in the team, the Co-Responder Model strengthens the safety of victim-survivors and their children, while ensuring more families can stay together safely and out of the statutory child protection system.
“This program means families and individuals don’t fall through the cracks. Meeting daily and acting early, we can better protect children, provide real support for victim-survivors, and work with people who use violence to change their behaviour. Keeping families safe and strong is at the heart of what we do, and this approach gives us the tools to stop violence before it escalates,” Mr Warren said.
In Alice Springs, the Co-Responder team is working in partnership with Women’s Safety Services of Central Australia (WoSSCA) and Tangentyere Council.
In the Northern region, services such as the Salvation Army and Catholic Care are collaborating with NT Police and program partners to support families in need.
The program is funded through the Northern Territory Government’s $36 million in additional, ongoing annual investment in DFSV.
If violence is already present, matters will continue to be investigated by Police and, where appropriate, referred to the Family Safety Framework for immediate action.
If you or someone you know are experiencing difficulties due to domestic violence, support services are available, including, but not limited to, 1800RESPECT (1800737732) or Lifeline 131 114.
