The CLP Government will invest $36 million annually to fund domestic, family, and sexual violence support services, the Minister has announced, adding the funding will go beyond the five-year election commitment to further support those affected across the Territory, as rates of domestic violence continue to soar.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Robyn Cahill said the ongoing investment will tackle sector instability and provide certainty with impending funding deadlines for essential frontline services and programs that assist victim-survivors coming up.

“Those impacted by DFSV across the Territory will be better supported with ongoing funding for programs and services that will support the sector to intervene earlier and address root causes and respond to DFSV,” Ms Cahill said.

The government had delayed committing the funds, citing ongoing reviews it was carrying out to determine which domestic violence services were working and which programs weren’t, to ensure the funds were allocated to the most effective areas.

“With an 82 per cent increase in domestic violence assaults over the past eight years under Labor, status quo isn’t an option and that’s why while we will continue to evaluate and review programs, we can then make sure we are spending this money in the right areas,” Ms Cahill said.

The exact funding allocations and budget details will be announced as part of the Budget in May, Ms Cahill said. It is unclear what amount of the funding commitment is new money.

“We have identified a number of programs whose funding ends on June 30,” she said.

“We will be extending those programs for an additional 12 months as part of the $36 million funding, giving programs surety while we continue to review Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence funding to make sure we are getting the right outcomes for all Territorians.”

The government indicated behaviour change programs would be a key focus and also pointed to the effectiveness of the so-called “Circuit Breaker” program, which was started under Labor to provide intensive case management support to young people between 10 and 17 and their families in Alice Springs.

Ms Cahill said it has proven effective and has been expanded across the Territory.

“Circuit Breaker is a response to recommendations 7 and 15 from the coronial inquiry last year,” she said. “Circuit Breaker is about equipping families with the tools they need to make positive changes, and holding everyone accountable, intervening early to help children and families.”