NSW Domestic Violence hotline: 1800 656 463
Call 24/7 for information, support and help including immediate accommodation.

Or contact Domestic Violence NSW through their website if you cannot risk calling at DVNSW - Contact Us 

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Domestic and Family Violence

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.

The health and safety of other’s if everyone business and the consequences of domestic abuse are felt across all levels of the community. Central Coast Council is committed to working with key partners to help stop the violence before is starts. 

What is Council doing?

Central Coast Council will continue to work with local non-government and government organisations to implement various community strategies to end domestic violence on the Central Coast.  Some actions to date include:

• Campaigns to educate our younger generation on positive relationships.
• Community campaigns on changing behaviours and language towards women.
• Education on how and when to intercept if you are a witness to domestic violence.
• An active partner with our community and local organisations in domestic violence awareness initiatives including activities throughout the 16 Days of Activism.

What can you do to help someone in a domestic violence situation?
Refer them to help. 

Getting help.

If you or your children are in danger or need emergency assistance call Triple 000.

For 24hr crisis accommodation and safety planning call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63. 

For 24hr counselling and referrals to other services call 1800 RESPECT [737 732]

For local support call the Central Coast Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service on 1800 938 227 during office hours.  

Or contact Domestic Violence NSW through their website if you cannot risk calling at DVNSW - Contact Us

This website has an escape button if you need to get off the page quickly.

MensLine offers a free telephone and online counselling service for Australian men anywhere, anytime. Call 1300 78 99 78 or visit mensline.org.au/family-violence/ The ‘Changing for Good’ program is evidence based and address behaviour change in perpetrators and potential perpetrators.  

Understanding Domestic and Family Violence

Domestic and family violence occurs when someone who has a close personal relationship with you makes you feel afraid, powerless or unsafe. It can be physical but can also be emotional and psychological.

Anyone can experience domestic and family violence. It happens across communities, ages, incomes, cultures and sexes and can include:

• Physical Violence
• Sexual Violence
• Psychological / Emotional Abuse
• Financial Abuse
• Social Abuse
• Stalking
• Cultural / Spiritual Abuse
• Verbal Abuse
• Technology Facilitated Abuse

What you can do.

Check in on the people in your life through a phone call, text message or simply drop in. Listen and believe what they say and take their fears seriously.

You could be part of their safety plan and help with anything they may need when they are ready to leave such as providing transport to a safe place for them. Remember your own personal safety must be a priority.

The NSW Government Communities and Justice website provide a detailed resource on how you can help someone you know that is going through a domestic violence situation.  This information can be found at https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/domestic-violence/my-situation/i-want-to-help-someone

Reporting abuse.

If you are a victim of domestic violence and in immediate danger ring 000.

If you see or witness domestic abuse, you can call the Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000. Or if it is safe to do so, be an active bystander and step in to diffuse and abusive situation. You can ask for the time or directions to stop abuse in its tracks. See video link for See Something Do Something.

Keeping safe.

We understand sometimes, just leaving is not a safe option.  Depending on your circumstances, some tips for keeping safe during this time may be to:

• Seek out and connect with supportive people.  Reach out (via text, call, email, social media) to connect with those who you trust, listen to you without judgement, and build you up.
• If you have trustworthy neighbours tell them about the violence.  Ask them to call the police if they hear or see any disturbance.
• Devise a code word or signal to use with your children, family, friends and trustworthy neighbours when you need the police.
• Teach your children how to use the telephone to call 000 and when to call 000 and how to say the address.
• Rehearse an escape plan so it is easier to expedite in an emergency without having to think too much.
• If you have access to a mobile, keep it charged and somewhere you can access it at all times.