The NSW Government has announced it will provide $1 million in funding to Local Government NSW to support councils and communities across the state in preventing domestic and family violence.
The investment is part of the Government’s $38.3 million ‘Pathways to Prevention’ program – the state’s first dedicated domestic family and sexual violence primary prevention strategy.
Local councils are key connectors in their community, often working with local organisations and linking into domestic and family violence support services, so they present a unique opportunity to lead a coordinated best practice approach to primary prevention of gendered violence, said Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison.
“We know that domestic, family and sexual violence is preventable – and primary prevention is about stopping it before it starts,” said Minister Harrison.
“We want to work with local communities on the ground to change the underlying beliefs and cultures across our society that have tolerated – and even condoned – violence against women and children.
“We can’t do this alone. We need councils – and the communities they represent – to help.”
The funding will allow Local Government NSW to:
- – employ a Domestic and Family Violence Primary Prevention Officer who will coordinate primary prevention activities with local councils, communities and non-government organisations to improve community awareness and understanding.
- – develop a guide to help councils deliver localised primary prevention initiatives including action planning templates and prioritisation tools.
- – provide unconscious bias training, gender equality initiatives, and resources to boost awareness and understanding of primary prevention across all local councils in NSW.
“Eliminating domestic and family violence is a complex challenge that requires the whole of government and the whole of community to work together to achieve this goal,” said Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig.
“As the closest level of government to communities, councils can play an important role in preventing gendered violence and help build a society that promotes gender equality, healthy relationships and is free from violence.”
NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin said local councils were in a unique position to increase awareness and understanding of domestic, family and sexual violence and drive lasting change in their communities.
“By harnessing local knowledge and networks, primary prevention initiatives can play a critical role in fostering attitudes and behaviours that result in safer communities,” Dr Tonkin said.
“I’m pleased to see that local primary prevention initiatives will be supported through the partnership announced with Local Government NSW.”
Blue Mountains Mayor, Mark Greenhill said the partnership will support the Council to continue its existing work with local community groups and organisations to provide frontline care and ongoing prevention.
“Local governments play a key role in advocating for the prevention of domestic violence,” said Mayor Greenhill.
“A collaborative approach is needed to address domestic and family violence, and that must involve working directly with the community.
Blue Mountains City Council supports and advocates for the prevention of violence through its Family and Domestic Violence Mayoral Reference Group and through its Gender Equity Strategy. Guided by this strategy, the Council provides facilities and programs to the community that offers safe and inviting spaces for women and gender-diverse people of all ages and abilities to come together to socialise, learn, play, celebrate, and receive support and care.
Support:
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.
If you are worried about your own behaviour and use of violence, contact the Men’s Referral Service online or by phone on 1300 766 491.
