Northern Territory Consolidated Acts

DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE ACT 2007 - SECT 3

    (1)     The objects of this Act are as follows:

        (a)     to reduce and prevent domestic violence;

        (b)     to reduce the occurrence of children experiencing domestic violence;

        (c)     to ensure the safety and protection of all persons, including children, who experience or are exposed to domestic violence or who are at risk of experiencing or being exposed to domestic violence;

        (d)     to give effect, where possible, to the National Principles as agreed and endorsed by the States, the Territories and the Commonwealth regarding the various approaches to reduce domestic violence;

        (e)     to ensure persons who commit domestic violence are held accountable for their conduct;

        (f)     to encourage persons who commit domestic violence to accept responsibility for their conduct.

    (2)     The objects are to be achieved by providing for the following:

        (a)     the making of domestic violence orders to protect people from domestic violence and to encourage the people committing it to change their behaviour;

        (b)     the registration of orders made in other jurisdictions;

        (c)     the enforcement of those orders;

        (d)     the enabling of particular entities to share information so that:

            (i)     assessments can be made about threats to the life, health, safety or welfare of people because of domestic violence; and

            (ii)     responses can be made to threats mentioned in subparagraph (i); and

            (iii)     people who fear or experience domestic violence, or people who commit domestic violence, can be referred to appropriate providers of domestic violence related services.