Gender-based violence refers to any form of physical or non-physical violence, harassment, abuse, or threat based on gender that results in, or is likely to result in, harm, coercion, control, fear, or deprivation of liberty or autonomy.
Our vision
Our vision is to lead the Northern Territory and beyond in building a safe, inclusive and equitable community where gender-based violence has no place and every person can thrive with dignity and respect. We recognise the disproportionate rates of gender-based violence that women and gender-diverse people in the Northern territory experience, particularly young women, those who are First Nations, migrant and refugee, and living with disability. We will prioritise primary prevention work that focusses on the four key drivers of gender-based violence: gender inequality, power imbalances, harmful social norms, and dominant attitudes, alongside strengthening our safety-first, trauma-informed responses to disclosures, and everything in between.
We know that these outcomes are not possible without our whole community rising and committing to building a safer community, together alongside strengthening our safety-first, trauma-informed responses to disclosures.
Our current state
The Northern Territory records domestic and family violence-related homicide rates seven times the national average rate, and people living in very remote areas are hospitalised for domestic and family violence at 48 times the rate of those in major cities
Brown & Leung, 2023; AIHW, 2023
The Northern Territory has the highest rates of domestic, family, and sexual violence in Australia, and among the highest rates across the globe
The Equality Institute, 2023
In Australia, two in five women (39%) have experienced some form of violence since the age of 15
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021-22
While the Northern Territory records high rates of violence and harm, it is also home to strong cultures, community leadership, and deep knowledge of care and connection. This Plan acknowledges and recognises these strengths, bringing them together with coordinated action to prevent gender-based violence and strengthen responses across the University.
Read response plan
Our domains of focus
Workplace
CDU is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace where all staff and faculty are supported to thrive. We aim to cultivate a culture of safety, respect, and accountability, actively preventing and responding to GBV, and ensuring that every member of our workforce shares responsibility for maintaining these standards.
Accommodation
CDU is committed to safe, supportive, and inclusive student accommodation. We aim to ensure that all affiliated providers comply with our standards, creating environments where students feel secure, respected, and empowered, and where GBV is prevented and effectively addressed. We aim to ensure that CDU-owned and operated accommodation are spaces which promote safety, support, and respect
Students
CDU is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for all students. We aim to foster a culture where students feel supported, can confidently access help, and are able to learn about how they can contribute to a safe community free of gender-based violence. Through both awareness and support, GBV is actively prevented and addressed across all aspects of student life.
Environments
CDU is committed to safe, accessible, and respectful environments that recognise the impacts of trauma, power imbalances, and gender inequality. All teaching, learning, and research spaces, including online platforms, work integrated learning, and clinical placements, are designed to be equitable, inclusive, and safe for all students, staff, and researchers.
Community, Communication and Impact
CDU recognises that internal and external communication is central to fostering safe, respectful, and equitable communities. We aim to be a visible champion for the prevention and response to GBV, promoting gender equity through our workplace culture, student engagement, research, and partnerships. All external communications reflect this commitment, demonstrating our leadership and accountability in creating inclusive and safe environments.
Policy and Governance
CDU aims to embed accessible, trauma-informed, safety-first policies, procedures, and governance across our institution that promotes the physical and psychological safety of our students and staff.
Our guiding outcomes
Effective governance and a whole-of-organisation approach, prioritising safety and support, in the prevention of and response to GBV.
Environments are safe, and systems continuously improve to prevent and respond to GBV.
Build knowledge and capability to safely and effectively prevent and respond to GBV.
Responses and support services are safe, timely, and person-centred.
Use evidence and data to approach, measure change and contribute to the national evidence-base.
Student accommodation is safe for all students and staff.