Mandatory Reporting and DFV

The NT is the only state in Australia to have mandatory reporting for all adults in relation to domestic and family violence (DFV).

Every person over the age of 18 in the NT must report to the police if they believe either (Domestic and Family Violence Act 2007):

• a person has caused, is causing, or is likely to cause, serious physical harm to someone they are in a domestic relationship with and/or
  
• the life or safety of a person is under serious or imminent threat, because Domestic and Family Violence has been, is being, or is about to be committed

This includes service providers and lawyers. You cannot be charged by police for making a report.

Report violence or danger as soon as possible, and when it is safe for you and person experiencing violence.

You can report domestic violence by contacting police on 131 444 or if danger is imminent by calling 000.

Definitions of physical and serious harm

• 'Physical harm' can be temporary or permanent and it can include unconsciousness, pain, disfigurement, infection with a disease, any physical contact that a person might object to (whether or not they are aware of it at the time).
  
• ’Serious harm’ is any physical harm that endangers or is likely to endanger a person’s life or where the effects are longstanding.

Failure to make a report is a criminal offence. There are 3 circumstances where you would be excused for a failure to make a mandatory report:

• A mandatory report has been made already to the police about the same incident;
  
• The person who has to make the mandatory report is currently putting immediate safety measures in place for the victim, and the mandatory report will be made as soon as the victim’s immediate safety needs are met;
  
• Serious or imminent threat to life or safety of any person may result.

Use the flow chart below to help guide you when making a report.

National Helplines:

1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732

Mensline – 1300 78 99 78

13YARN – 13 92 76

QLife –  1800 184 527

Men’s Referral Service – 1300 766 491