The ACT government has launched a comprehensive 10-year strategy aimed at ending domestic, family and sexual violence, describing it as a national crisis. Minister for Women and Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Dr Marisa Paterson unveiled the ACT Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-2036 on Tuesday night, along with its first action plan.
The strategy combines past commitments and future ambitions into a coordinated whole-of-government and whole-of-community approach. It includes contemporary understandings of domestic and family violence, trauma-informed responses to sexual violence, recognition of children as victims in their own right, accountability for perpetrators, and addressing harmful gender stereotypes as key drivers of violence.
The 2026-27 budget will provide $3.6 million over four years for foundational system infrastructure. This includes funding to establish a domestic, family and sexual violence sector for advocacy and coordination, a dedicated information sharing coordinator role for four years, and two years of targeted training to implement an updated risk assessment framework. Additional funding will go to Women's Health Matters to develop a primary prevention model.
The government noted that over 40% of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence since age 15, and more than 61% of LGBTIQA+ people report intimate partner violence in their lifetime. Violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children remains disproportionately high, with men responsible for the vast majority of violence.
Dr Paterson said the strategy is backed by targeted new investment and continuous funding for frontline services. Chief Minister Andrew Barr stated the plan sets a unified direction to prevent violence, support victim survivors, and bring lasting cultural change, with explicit recognition of the disproportionate impact on LGBTIQA+ people and a commitment to inclusive, culturally competent responses.
