Domestic and Family Violence is Never Acceptable

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic and/or family violence, please report to the Police or call one of the confidential helplines which are available for advice and assistance:

• Domestic Violence Line - 1800 65 64 63
• 1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732 - for 24 hour confidential information, counselling and support service
• DAISY - An app that provides information about support services in your local area.
• Domestic Violence NSW - A list of organisations that assist with help and referrals.

Georges River Council is committed to raising awareness and educating the community on domestic and family violence. We have hosted annual campaigns including:

• The Candlelight Vigil

We will be hosting the annual St George Candlelight Vigil with the St George Domestic Violence Committee. Join us at 5:00pm on Wednesday 3 May to remember the women, children and men whose lives have been taken by domestic and family violence. 

• No Domestic Violence Walk

 

Domestic and Family Violence

​Violence and abuse in relationships comes in many forms. No form of abuse is acceptable, as they all hurt or make a person feel unsafe. Any form of controlling or abusive behaviour used against another person in a household is considered to be domestic or family violence. It can include:

• Physical assault
• Emotional abuse -  including insulting or degrading comments
• Sexual assault
• Threatening to harm others 
• Coercive control - a pattern of behaviours that deny autonomy and independence 
• Financial abuse - keeping money and resources from another person
• Social abuse – not allowing someone to see family or friends

 

Coercive Control 

With the support of the St George Domestic Violence Committee, we have developed the Pocket Guide to Relationships, Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control, which provides helpful information on support services available for people in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, and where to seek help if you are in a threatening situation.SBS have also produced a number of videos in community languages to explain coercive control and family and domestic violence. 
 

Stop it at the Start Campaign

Stop it at the Start is an initiative of the Council of Australian Governments, and aimed at breaking the cycle of all gender-based violence. Recognising that behaviours of young people are influenced and shaped by adults, carers, and influencers around them, the campaign targets parents and family members of children between 10-17, to reflect on their attitudes and to be a positive influence.

SBS has translated information about the campaign and domestic and family violence in many community languages. 
 

Crisis Accommodation for Women in the Georges River area

Georges River Council opened the first women’s crisis accommodation in the St George area in 2020. This new facility will provide a supportive space for women and their children affected by domestic violence and at risk of homelessness.

A short video has been produced which provides a virtual tour of the centre and highlights the support that vulnerable women and children will receive, and reiterates the message that they no longer need be exposed to coercive control or domestic and family violence. 

Donation Drive

Georges River Council is calling upon the community to donate tinned, non-perishable food items, and hygiene products for the women's crisis accommodation facility in Georges River. Donations of other household items are not required at this time.

Items can be dropped off at Council's Customer Service Centre in Hurstville, Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.00pm. For more information on how to donate items, please contact Council on (02) 9330 6400. 

If you require immediate crisis accommodation, please call Link2Home on 1800 152 152 or the DV Line on 1800 65 64 63.