The ACT Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Strategy

Summary

The ACT Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Strategy 2026-2036 brings together all our work into one clear plan. The strategy uses a whole of government and whole of community approach. We are all working together.

Our vision is for Canberra to be a safe society. We want everyone to live free from domestic, family and sexual violence. We want people to feel safe in their relationships and in their homes, workplaces, education settings and communities.

The strategy focuses  on 6 outcomes:

• Victim-survivors can get help at every stage, including early intervention, crisis, justice and healing.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people lead decisions and provide the best responses for Community.
• People who use violence are held responsible, identified early and supported to change their behaviour before violence occurs or escalates.
• Everyone values and shows safe and respectful behaviours and helps create positive social change.
• The domestic, family and sexual violence system is coordinated, sustainable and integrated.
• Our broader system, communities, organisations and institutions take action to prevent and respond to violence.

We want these principles to guide how we work under the strategy:

• to be holistic, and look at the whole issue, not just a part
• to be collaborative, coordinated and integrated
• to be equitable, inclusive, intersectional and accessible.
• to be transparent, accountable and to build trust
• to seek and out value lived experience and expertise
• to use evidence and evaluation.

How we developed the strategy

The strategy is based on strong evidence about what helps to prevent and stop violence. Reports and reviews into the ACT’s domestic, family and sexual violence system informed the strategy. Contemporary research, recent national reviews and lessons from other states also guided our approach.

We developed the strategy by talking to key groups. We consulted with victim-survivors, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, specialist services, broader human services organisations and ACT community.

We carefully considered what people shared. We then used their experiences and ideas to guide the strategy’s direction, priorities, and funding decisions.

Download

The strategy

First Action Plan

The First Action Plan 2026-2028 outlines what we will do in the first 2 years of the strategy.

It turns the strategy’s vision, outcomes, and principles into clear priorities and practical actions.

The First Action Plan focuses on:

• Strengthening the capacity of our current system to support victim-survivors, intervene early, and respond effectively to people using violence.
• Progressing early system changes that build a strong and connected system to prevent and respond to violence.

Listening reports

• It starts with disrespect: the Victim Survivor Voice consultation report for the development of the strategy (2025)
• ACT Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Strategy Vision and Focus Areas Listening Report (2025)
• ACT Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Strategy First Action Plan Listening Report (2026)

Related strategies