Domestic, family and sexual violence

Domestic, family and sexual violence can happen to anyone.

Violence includes when someone:

• hurts you
• scares you
• controls you.

It can be carried out by any of the following:

• your partner
• your ex-partner
• someone you have had an intimate personal relationship with
• a relative, including people who are relatives according to Aboriginal traditional or contemporary social practice
• someone you live with or have lived with
• a carer
• a guardian.

It can include any of the following:

• physical harm
• violent behaviour
• threatening behaviour
• sexual abuse
• verbal abuse
• psychological or emotional abuse
• social abuse
• neglect
• financial abuse
• other type of abuse.

Report domestic, family and sexual violence

You must report domestic and family violence to NT police, it’s the law.

Under the law you must report even if you think someone is in danger. This includes kids and adults in danger.

How to report

Report as soon as you can.

Call 000 if you or someone else is in immediate danger.

If it's not an emergency, call the police on 131 444.

You don’t have to give your name and contact details if you don’t want to.

You can also ask someone you trust to call for you.

What information you can give to police

You should tell the police everything you can about the situation.

The police may ask:

• where it happened or where it’s currently happening
• if someone needs medical help
• if any children are nearby
• if there are any weapons
• the names of the people involved and how they know each other.

Failing to report to police can result in a maximum fine of $37,000.

Get help for domestic, family and sexual violence

If you are experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, you can call a support service listed below or someone you trust.

Support services can give you a safe place to stay or help by listening and talking to you about your options.

If you have experienced sexual assault, you can contact a sexual assault referral centre (SARC) or find out about reporting sexual assault.

NT-wide contacts

• Northern Territory Police on 131 444.
• 1800RESPECT - the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service on 1800 737 732 or webchat.
• Lifeline - the national personal crisis support service on 131 114 or webchat.
• Kids Helpline - free counselling for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years for any reason on 1800 551 800 or webchat.
• MensLine Australia - for men who are experiencing violence or using violence and want to change their behaviour on 1300 789 978 or webchat.
• QLife - anonymous, LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral on 1800 184 527 or webchat.

To find other support services, go to the NT Community online directory.

Supports near you