The NSW Police Force and Rotary have announced a new partnership aimed at raising further community awareness of domestic and family violence across NSW.
The announcement comes as the internationally recognised ’16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence’ campaign begins on Saturday (25 November 2023).
The ’16 Days of Activism’ campaign commences annually on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women tomorrow (Saturday 25 November 2022) and concludes on the World Human Rights Day (Saturday 10 December 2022).
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.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM says the partnership reflects the ongoing commitment both organisations have towards combatting 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,” Commissioner Webb says.
“Every day, our police officers across New South Wales 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.
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.”
David Harmon, Rotary District Governor for Ballina Rotary, was a driving force behind the partnership 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.
“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:
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.
The ’16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence’ starts on Saturday (25 November 2023) – which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
For more information on domestic and family violence or links to useful resources, please visit; https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/crime/domestic_and_family_violence.
For more information about the ’16 Days of Activism’, please visit:
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).
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
