The Central Land Council’s executive committee asked everyone to join them on a community march next week against domestic and family violence.
Meeting in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) today, the 11-member executive discussed the coroner’s report into the deaths of four Northern Territory Aboriginal women.
“These four women’s stories are a heartbreaking reminder of the ongoing violence against our women, who face alarming rates of domestic and family violence,” CLC chair Warren Williams said.
“We thank the coroner for her report and call on everyone to join us on Tuesday 10 December at the ‘End the Silence! Stop the Violence!’ march in Alice Springs.”
“This is a wake-up call for everyone. We must break the cycle of violence, starting with listening to Aboriginal women and taking their concerns seriously.
“Too many lives have been lost, and far too many families continue to live in fear. The time for action is now.”
In May this year the council urged the Northern Territory and Australian governments to:
- Provide the NT with needs-based funding that is desperately needed for prevention and support programs.
- Strengthen efforts to support the targets of the Closing the Gap National Agreement that align with reducing incarceration and improving safety.
- Invest in culturally relevant and meaningful men’s healing programs that support breaking the cycle of violence.
- Support place-based, community-led initiatives that ensure women’s and children’s safety so they can safely remain in their communities.
It also highlighted the vital role men play in breaking the cycle of violence.
“We encourage men to take responsibility for their actions, support one another in choosing non-violent paths, and stand together with women in creating safe and respectful communities,” said Mr Williams.
“We will continue to advocate for stronger protections for our women and children.
“Together, we can honour the memories of the victims by ensuring their tragic deaths lead to lasting change.”