Domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is the misuse of power and control by one person over another in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family or cohabitation. It can affect anyone in the community, regardless of gender, sexual identity, race, age, culture, ethnicity, religion, disability or economic status.
Domestic abuse may include physical, sexual and psychological abuse. This includes fear, intimidation, verbal and physical abuse, emotional and economic abuse, social and sexual abuse, stalking and controlling behaviours. Domestic abuse has profound negative consequences for the lives of children, individuals, families and communities.
Some forms of domestic abuse are a CRIME. No one has to put up with domestic abuse and there are people who can help you.
We’re all responsible for setting the standard for what is and isn’t acceptable behaviour. Small changes to what we say and do can make a big difference.
‘We’re Better Than That’ is a video series campaign created to promote respect and healthy relationships, and encourage men to be active bystanders when they witness behaviour that condones and contributes to abuse in our communities. The videos are funded by the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network, and made in partnership with the Eastern Suburbs Domestic Violence Network, Hope Believe Shine Foundation, and Randwick, Waverley, Woollahra and Bayside Councils.
In the first video, alongside his daughter Maeve, Colin Fassnidge explores the essential ingredients to a healthy relationship and why it’s important to demonstrate equality to your kids.
In the second, as he tees off, Mike Whitney demonstrates how good sportsmanship and healthy expression of emotions can help curb abuse.
To view all the videos please visit the We’re Better Than That Facebook page
Support
If you or someone you know are affected by domestic, family or sexual abuse - support is available.
- In case of emergency call 000. Available 24/7.
- NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 656 463 (available 24/7) - counselling and referrals for women experiencing domestic and family abuse.
- 1800RESPECT - to talk with a trained counsellor about domestic abuse in your relationship. If you want help to support someone else, call the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800 737 732.
- KidsHelpline (available 24/7) - phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 years.
- Men's Referral Service - 1300 766 491 for men dealing with family and domestic abuse matters.
- NSW Elder Abuse Helpline - 1800 628 221.
Domestic abuse support during COVID-19
Some additional domestic abuse and COVID-19 resources can be found at the following sites:
- NSW Government Department of Communities and Justice: Domestic and family abuse.
- Australian Government COVID-19: Advice for women experiencing domestic abuse.
- Legal Aid New South Wales: Domestic abuse COVID-19 resources.
- One-stop online resource for people escaping situations of domestic and family violence
Information
- An introductory quick access guide for community workers with a reference page for services offering domestic abuse support in the eastern suburbs.
- Useful resources on encouraging respect from the Australian Government's 'Stop it at the start' campaign.
- Domestic violence - NSW Government website.
- Dynamics of domestic violence.
- A centralised government point of access for all documents relating to the Domestic and Family Violence Reforms - It Stops Here is now available.
Mobile app
The Daisy app connects women around Australia to services, making it easier to access support after sexual assault, domestic or family abuse. Information is translated into 28 languages and contacts are listed by state and local council area. It also has special features for women who are vision impaired, have low literacy or who live in rural or remote areas.
Key dates
- 25 November: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
- 25 November to 10 December: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls. The campaign runs annually from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), to Human Rights Day (10 December).
Sign up to get event updates delivered straight to your mailbox!
Council's role
Woollahra Council organises, supports and promotes local initiatives that challenge disrespectful behaviours so as to foster the elimination of abuse and the promotion of respectful relationships. These include:
- Being an active member of the Eastern Suburbs Domestic Violence Network. The Network works together to create initiatives for the 16 Days of Activism and helps to promote and share resources.
- Empowering women in the community by participating in International Women's Day and hosting a yearly activity that celebrates and encourages women to inspire and support each other to achieve their goals.
- Sponsoring the not-for-profit Women’s Housing Company for up to three years to provide ten secure units of accommodation for ten mothers and their children escaping domestic abuse to allow them to remain living close to where they have support networks.
Find out more about the Domestic & Family Violence Accommodation & Support Program, Proudly supported by Woollahra Council.
If you would like more information, please contact:
Community Development Team
Email: community@woollahra.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 9391 7166