In three months, more than 100 groups have responded to calls to honour women lost to domestic violence in the Northern Territory, and make a commitment for change.
Aboriginal-led initiative NO MORE launched their campaign THE STAND in August, aiming to see 90 Domestic Violence Action Plans (DVAPs) created by workplaces, businesses, sporting clubs, and community groups within 90 days.
The aspired-for response was effort to honour the more than 90 women who have died in domestic and family violence in the Northern Territory since 2000.
"Their names may not be known to us all, but their lives mattered," NO MORE wrote in line with the launch.
Response exceeded their call, with over 100 plans developed from all across the territory and by interstate groups.
NO MORE was founded in 2006 by sports commentator and family violence advocate Dr Charlie King.
Working in partnership with CatholicCare NT, they work with men, community and service providers to change behaviours and reduce the incidence of domestic and family violence in the Territory.
A key theme of their work is placing the responsibility on men.
While DFV disproportionately impacts Aboriginal women and children in the NT, and as a result so does NO MORE's focus in their work, the organisation extends their services to the broader community.
A 2020 inquiry found 89 per cent of domestic and family victims in the NT are Aboriginal women.
With their latest campaign, NO MORE asked groups and organisations - in all sectors and industries - to make their own 'a real commitment to change' by developing action plans.
"We set out to honour the women who lost their lives to violence by asking the community to take action in their memory," Dr King said.
"Every plan represents a commitment - a promise - that their deaths will not be in vain.
"This is a powerful act of remembrance and responsibility, led by Territorians who refuse to accept violence as normal."
NO MORE offered templates and resources for plans, while also stating their support for new ideas to be put forward.
What makes a plan isn't strictly defined, with examples listed as initiatives from DFV safety audits in workplaces and offering relevant training, to sporting club's raising awareness by hosting a NO MORE Round.
As of Monday morning 105 groups have their registered plans up on NO MORE's website.
More than 10 plans were signed on day one of THE STAND initiative.
In addition, more than 600 individual action pledges were made.
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NO MORE Violence Prevention Manager Narelle Gosstray highlighted how early positive impact can begin, in developing plans.
"The willingness of the broader business community to engage in this process shows that despite the immense challenge in front of us to end violence, more and more people are taking on roles in this effort because we can't do it alone," she said.
"Even the process of developing a plan starts the change process and builds awareness about how individuals, businesses, and community groups can be part of the solution."
CatholicCare NT director Jayne Lloyd added: "From sporting organisations to Aboriginal communities, local services and small businesses - each one has taken a stand for safety, respect and equality."
Last week, cultural leaders in Maningrida, in Arnhem Land, led a community march for an end to DFV.
NO MORE are organising a Walk to End Domestic and Family Violence in the northern suburbs of Garramilla (Darwin) on December 5.
