An advertising campaign urging men to call out friends’ abusive behaviour towards women launches across the Central Coast this week.

The campaign – called Enough Already – will roll out across billboards, bus shelters, bins and social media with a call to action to stop domestic violence. Domestic violence can be verbal or physical, and is all about control. A mate should encourage other men to call out disrespect towards women.

Council Acting Director Connected Communities, Phil Cantillon, said the campaign arose from round-table discussions with key organisations seeking to reduce domestic violence on the Coast.

“Input from these round-table talks informed this campaign to help shift long-held attitudes surrounding disrespectful behaviour towards women,” Mr Cantillon said.

“Statistics show the Central Coast had the second-highest number of domestic violence Apprehended Violence Orders in figures (NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research – BOCSAR) issued for the 12 months to March 2019.

“Council wants to see this statistic decrease. This campaign gets behind the numbers, to focus on the lives of ordinary people and helps us to help our friends create better family relationships.

“The data is in. Children living with domestic violence can have ongoing anxiety and depression, difficulty concentrating and can struggle doing schoolwork.”

Mayor Jane Smith said part of Council’s role is to work together with other government agencies and local organisations to build stronger and safer communities.

“Council has been working with respected experts in this area, creating a strong message. We all have a responsibility to reach out and help support our community,” Mayor Smith said

“Council has an important role to play in helping resolve social issues that impact on community wellbeing.

“This includes domestic violence. We want the Central Coast to be a safe place to live.”

Programs are available for men who have either been a victim of family violence, or are seeking to understand their behaviour’s impact and make changes. These include Caring Dads run by CatholicCare Diocese of Broken Bay. Contact 4356 2600 for more information on this program.

Women who are seeking support for family violence can call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 656 463.