Domestic violence
Stay well and stay connected
COVID-19 has presented our community with many unexpected challenges. We want you to know you are not in this alone and we encourage you to reach out and seek the help you or the people you care about need.
We have put together a list of phone numbers and resources we hope will support you. We are all in this together.
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.
“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 violence in our communities. The videos are funded by the Central and Eastern Sydney PHN, 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 violence.
To view all the videos please visit the We’re Better Than That Face Book Page
Domestic violence support during COVID-19
Many of the face-to-face services within our community have been suspended during the COVID-19 crisis, however the majority of service providers we have listed will continue with phone services and/or referrals.
Some additional domestic violence and COVID-19 resources can be found at the following sites:
- NSW Government Department of Communities and Justice: Domestic and family violence.
- Australian Government COVID-19: advice for women experiencing domestic violence.
- Legal Aid New South Wales: Domestic violence COVID-19 resources.
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
In case of emergency call 000
- Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command 9369 9899
- 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 respectful relationships. In the past this has included awards given to exemplary students, Council breakfasts, talks from domestic violence prevention advocates and students’ art exhibitions and performances.
- 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