New program to support healing and recovery from family, domestic and sexual violence across the Big Rivers region

Katherine West Health Board, in partnership with Wurli-Wurlinjang Health Service, Sunrise Health Service and NT Health, will soon accept referrals to their pilot program to support women and children across the Big Rivers region to heal and recover from family, domestic and sexual violence.

The pilot program has been funded and commissioned by Northern Territory Primary Health Network (NT PHN) with funding received from the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care.

Family, domestic and sexual violence is a major issue in the Big Rivers region. Four women in the region allegedly died due to family, domestic and sexual violence in the six months from June to December 2024. Children in the Big Rivers region experience nearly double the rates of abuse or neglect in situations linked to family, domestic and sexual violence than other children across the Territory.

The prevalence and impact of family, domestic and sexual violence in the region emphasises the urgent need for a culturally safe, trauma-informed and sustainable approach to addressing the issue.

The three Aboriginal community-controlled health services in the region, together with NT Health, have a long history and wide-ranging experience providing culturally safe health care and social and emotional wellbeing services to the Big Rivers communities.

Sinon Cooney, CEO Katherine West Health Board, said community members have been clear about what’s needed to address and heal from family, domestic and sexual violence.

“Big Rivers communities have told us that having someone to talk to and someone to listen is the greatest need for healing from family, domestic and sexual violence. Communities also said education, awareness and empowerment activities were a top priority for improving safety for family, domestic and sexual violence victim-survivors and their families,” said Mr Cooney.

NT PHN CEO, Gill Yearsley, said “We are proud to commission and fund this pilot program and support the integrated delivery model of this essential service for the Big Rivers region. It also strengthens the incredible work of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, ensuring that those impacted receive culturally safe and accessible care. By investing in this program, we are helping to build a stronger, more connected system of support for those who need it.”

“This pilot program brings together the unique skills, knowledge and experience of the established health services across the region to provide a united and consistent response and specialised service,” said Rebecca Bond, CEO, Sunrise Health Service.

The program will provide practical and therapeutic support, with cultural connectors, social workers, mental health nurses and counsellors working in community. There will also be opportunities for everyone in communities – women, men and children – to learn more about healthy relationships, have the confidence to talk about family, domestic and sexual violence, and build leadership and mentoring skills to address family, domestic and sexual violence and remove barriers to healing and recovery.

The program demonstrates the strong relationships, leadership and collaboration between the primary health care services across the Big Rivers region and their united efforts to support the health, social and emotional wellbeing of their community members.

The Big Rivers Supporting Recovery from family, domestic and sexual violence program will begin accepting referrals from specialised service providers and healthcare services from May 2025.

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