Speakers - Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee

This week we heard from the Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee (CCDVC). CCDVC was established over 25 years ago with the objective to end Domestic and Family Violence by bringing community and the sector together through advocacy campaigns and community connections.

Co-Chair from NSW Police, Sharon Wilkinson said “Community connection and engagement are our primary vehicles for raising awareness and creating a whole of community response to end family violence and abuse”.

Over the month of March 2022 Brisbane Waters PD received 388 Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) reports with Tuggerah Lakes PD receiving 483 reports.

“These unacceptable levels combine to bring the Central Coast to one of the highest areas of reported DFV in the State. Both Brisbane Water PD and Tuggerah Lakes PD are in the top 10 of the State in applying for ADVO’s and combined brings the Central Coast to one of the highest in applications, which is also indicative of the volume of DFV reports received” Ms Wilkinson said.

Co-Chair Nicole Harvey from Pacific Link House briefed the club on the See Something Do Something campaign CCDVC is working collaboratively with NSW Police and Central Council to roll out locally.

“This campaign has a focus on being an active bystander” Ms Harvey explained. “The campaign is about raising awareness for people to notice situations and to be more aware of surroundings. It is not about getting in the middle of a confrontation. Bystander intervention is an approach that can be used to improve situations where it looks like a person could use some help.”

”The approach is about being an active, positive contributor – someone who challenges problematic behaviour effectively and respectfully” said Vice-Chair Sharon Walsh. See Something Do Something involves sale of masks, promotion day at Wyong Races, garbage truck messaging and other promotional material. The next Primary Prevention Day at Wyong Race Club is scheduled for 25 Nov 2022. Everyone is encouraged to come along and support the important work of the committee and to raise awareness more broadly with friends, family and colleagues.

We thank the members of the committee for taking the time to visit our club. The Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee website is https://www.ccdvc.org.au for further information. 1800RESPECT is the national sexual assault and domestic family violence counselling service available 24 hours 7 days a week call 1800 737 732.