The NSW Police Force and Rotary have announced a new partnership aimed at raising further community awareness of domestic and family violence across NSW. This comes as the internationally recognised ’16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence’ campaign begins tomorrow.
The ’16 Days of Activism’ campaign commences annually on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (Saturday 25 November in 2023) and concludes on World Human Rights Day (Saturday 10 December).
Throughout the 16 days, members of the public are encouraged to Step Out, Speak Out and Walk against Domestic Violence with their family, friends, and workmates.
NSW Police has long held a strong relationship with Rotary; this formal partnership will see the two organisations working together at a community level across the state to significantly increase awareness of domestic and family violence.
Under the initiative, every police area command and district will team up with their local Rotary to develop campaigns and activities around local domestic and family violence issues.
Ongoing commitment
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM says the partnership reflects the ongoing commitment both organisations have towards combating domestic and family violence and the devastating impact it has on communities everywhere.
‘Domestic and family violence has become an epidemic in our community, and it’s one that should not just stay behind closed doors,’ said Commissioner Webb.
‘Every day, our police officers across NSW demonstrate their unwavering commitment to protecting and supporting domestic violence victims.
‘I am so proud of their genuine concern and ongoing support towards victims and families, and this has been reflected in the initiatives we’ve launched recently as well as our involvement in the many walks and events taking place across the state during the 16 Days of Activism.
‘Our partnership with Rotary highlights the dedication both organisations have towards raising awareness and getting the message out to the community that we all have a vital role to play in stopping domestic and family violence,’ she said.
Everyone’s business
NSW Police Corporate Spokesperson for Domestic and Family Violence, Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, says partnering with Rotary is another example of the commitment police officers have towards ending the violence.
‘Domestic and family violence is an issue that needs to be everyone’s business,’ Assistant Commissioner Smith says.
‘Raising awareness through joint initiatives such as these can only help get the message out across the entire state, because it’s the community attitudes and changing behaviours that will make the biggest difference in reducing the incidences of gender-based violence.’
Whole of community
Local Rotary District Governor Dave Harmon was a driving force behind the partnership, which originated in Ballina Shire, and says it strengthens the whole-of-community approach model of Rotary’s ‘Break the Silence and End the Violence’ campaign.
‘Rotary has a proud history of leading the way with social issues and it’s now time that we all connect and work together to advocate and educate our communities about the crisis that we are facing with domestic and family violence,’ said Mr Harmon.
‘This partnership will be on full display throughout the 16 Days of Activism, with both organisations organising, and taking part in, community awareness-raising events and peaceful walks across the state.’
Community members across NSW are encouraged to look online at their local police Eyewatch pages to find the different ‘Step Out, Speak Out’ walks, and other awareness-raising events in their local area.
Athletes show support
Additionally, female athletes from various sporting organisations are showing their support by taking part in a social media campaign during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.
Athletes from NRLW, surfing, water polo, gymnastics, and cricket will be featured online holding ‘Don’t Be a Spectator’ sign, encouraging community members to speak up if they suspect someone is a victim of domestic or family violence.
For more information on domestic and family violence or links to useful resources, please visit this link.
For more information about the ’16 Days of Activism’, go here.
In Ballina, there will be a major walk against domestic and family violence on Friday 1 December. There are also walks planned in the CBDs of Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, as well as other events around Australia.
If you, or anyone you know has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence, contact your local police. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
Support is also available via the following helplines – Domestic Violence helpline 1800 65 64 63, 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78.
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