Central Coast Council is once again working with community leaders, to raise awareness and educate the community to help end family and domestic abuse. 

The Central Coast has the second-highest number of domestic violence incidences in NSW* and is overrepresented in breaches of apprehended violence orders. Crimes of sexual assault are also on the increase.

Council Director Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said all community members can help put an end to domestic abuse.

“The health and safety of others is everyone’s business. Domestic abuse is not just a private matter and its impacts are felt across all levels of the community,” Ms Smith said.

“Domestic and family violence is one of the largest threats to our communities’ safety. Prevention initiatives are proven to help stop the violence before it starts.” 

Each year, Central Coast Council supports a local campaign to help address the main challenges faced by our community. Over 30 stakeholders from the local community and services sector were invited to a workshop to share their knowledge, skills, and experience of the issue. 

This collaboration informed the messages for this years’ 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign which has a focus on changing the behaviour of perpetrators. 

The national campaign runs from 25 November to 10 December and Council has developed a range of education and awareness raising materials to bring the campaign to the community. 

These include town centre banners and activations, installations, information posters, and free resources that encourage people to learn the signs of abuse, to stop the cycle of abuse, and to seek support. 

As part of the campaign, the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee has coordinated a Walk Against Domestic Violence and the community is encouraged to show support by joining. 

Commencing at 10.00am on Wednesday 7 December 2022, supporters will meet at Coast Shelter (346 Mann Street, Gosford), before heading into Kibble Park to hear from speakers and visit stalls. 

Council Administrator Rik Hart said we must all speak up against domestic abuse and violence and encourage others to break the cycle in order to make the Central Coast a safe place for us all to live.

“We can all play a role in stopping violence by taking action if we see or suspect any form of abuse,” Mr Hart said.

“It can be as simple as providing contact numbers, educational material or when someone’s safety is at risk, report it to the Police.”

Find out more on Council's webpage.  

*The Central Coast had the second-highest number in NSW of domestic violence Apprehended Violence Orders in figures (NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research – BOCSAR) issued for the 12 months prior to June 2022.

ENDS