Say ‘no’ to gender-based violence
The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an international campaign held annually from 25 November to 10 December. It is a call for eliminating gender-based violence.
Considering the Beaches has seen a 21 per cent average increase in domestic violence over two years, raising awareness is vital.
The Northern Beaches Domestic Violence Network (‘the Network’) is a collaborative group of individuals and organisations working towards reducing these statistics. Narelle Hand is chair of the network and says that 16 Days is a time to come together, wear orange and raise awareness. Narelle is also the chief executive officer of the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter.
Read on to find out how to participate.
Striving Ahead
Lifeline Northern Beaches and the Network will bring business leaders and community champions together on 27 November for an evening of networking and awareness focused on understanding domestic and family violence (DFV).
In workplace and community settings, how do you respond when someone discloses their DFV circumstances? How do we support our people and exercise compassionate leadership?
Come along and join discussions on what it means to engage with these confronting but essential conversations.
Striving Ahead is free and will take place at St Matthew’s Church, 1 Darley Road, Manly Corso, from 6pm to 9pm on Wednesday, 27 November.
Visit events.humantix.com/northern-beaches-dv-network-conference
Gala and awards night
The Network is hosting its third annual Gala and Awards Night on 30 November.
Narelle says it’s important to recognise the work that people do in the community. “It’s so trauma-driven,” says Narelle. “To have people staying in our sector for such long periods needs to be acknowledged.”
Expressions of interest will go out in early November and people can nominate organisations or individuals for an award. “It’s a night for the community to come together,” Narelle explains. “It’s about understanding and learning about what we do.”
The Gala and Awards Night will be held at the Manly Leagues Club, 563 Pittwater Road, Brookvale on Friday 30 November, from 6pm until late. Tickets are $100 and include a three-course meal, speakers and live entertainment.
Visit northernbeachesdvnetwork.org for more information.
Northern Beaches walk
Wear orange and remember those who lost their lives through domestic violence by joining a walk from Queenscliff Lagoon to Shelly Beach on Friday 6 December at 9.30am.
The walk includes a ceremony at Shelly Beach to remember the women and children whose lives have been lost due to DFV this year, with an orange cutout of a hand pegged up for each life lost.
Rotary Warringah and Zonta, a global organisation of professionals empowering women, will lead the walk, culminating in a barbecue breakfast.
“The walk signifies a time for reflection,” says Narelle.
All Stars grand stand against DFV
The Network will host an event at Cromer Park on 7 December (9am to 12pm) in partnership with local sporting groups.
Enjoy a barbecue breakfast, learn from local support groups, hear inspiring stories and have fun with games and entertainment.
Narelle says it’s about connecting with families and raising awareness for young people about what a healthy relationship looks like.
“Younger people are getting older younger,” says Narelle. “The sporting community is a great way to connect.”
DFV resources at the mall
Westfield Warringah Mall in Brookvale is providing space for the Network to have information stalls from Monday 2 to Friday 5 December.
Each day’s focus will be on a specific group, including LGBTIQA+, young or older people, and those with culturally diverse backgrounds.
Westfield is providing coffee vouchers so volunteers can take people for a cuppa and chat – offering a private room for sensitive discussions.
For more information or to volunteer at an event, email nbdvnetwork@gmail.com or visit northernbeachesdvnetwork.org or see the Northern Beaches Council website.
If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For help 24/7, call the NSW Domestic Violence line on 1800 656 463.
