Domestic violence

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Domestic violence 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 violence 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 violence has profound negative consequences for the lives of children, individuals, families and communities.

Some forms of domestic violence are a CRIME. No one has to put up with domestic violence and there are people who can help you.

Locally, Eastern Beaches Police attend 90–100 domestic violence call outs a month. 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.

Let’s change what our kids hear, see and accept as normal. Let’s stop it at the start.

Help

• If you would like to talk with someone call NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 656 463 (24/7).
• If you want to talk to a trained counsellor about domestic violence in your relationship, or if you want help to support someone else, call the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800 737 732.
• 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 Violence 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

Support

• Rose Bay Police - 9362 6399
• Bondi Beach Cottage - 9365 1607
• Jewish Care - 1300 133 660
• The Deli Women & Children's Centre - 9667 4664
• Organisations offering support and counselling
• Staying Home Leaving Violence Campaign
• Men's Referral Service - 1300 766 491 for men dealing with family and domestic violence matters
• NSW Elder Abuse Helpline: 1800 628 221

Mobile app

The Daisy app connects women around Australia to services, making it easier to access support after sexual assault, domestic or family violence. 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 November: 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 violence and the promotion of respectful relationships. These include:

• Supporting the work of the Community of Schools in the Eastern Suburbs (CoSiES) and their commitment to the Breaking the Silence program through hosting a Respectful Relationship Breakfast at Council. The breakfast celebration highlights the commitment of primary schools in raising awareness on the issue of violence against women, including displaying artworks developed by the students throughout the year.
• Being an active member of the Eastern Suburb 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 two secure units of accommodation for two mothers and their children escaping domestic violence to allow them to remain living close to where they have support networks.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Community Development Team
Email: community@woollahra.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 9391 7166