Stand against domestic violence by joining the 16 Days of Activism events on the Beaches
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual global United Nations campaign running from International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November) to Human Rights Day (10 December). The Beaches’ campaign, with the hashtag #BeachesSaysNoToViolence, aims to raise awareness, challenge attitudes, and ultimately end gender-based violence in all its forms.
The 2025 theme is UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls and focuses on one of the fastest- growing forms of abuse: digital violence.
Narelle Hand is chief executive officer of the Northern Beaches Domestic Violence Network and says that digital violence mostly targets women.
“It’s actually quite scary,” says Narelle. “It’s image-based abuse, (non- consensual sharing of intimate images), online stalking, surveillance, tracking and monitoring someone’s activities. It can be grooming, sex exploitation, catfishing, impersonation, hate speech, disinformation on social media platforms and even the AI-generated deepfakes.”
Join the community in solidarity at this year’s Northern Beaches Domestic Violence Walk from Queenscliff Lagoon to Shelly beach via North Steyne on 5 December. It is led by local organisations Zonta and Rotary Warringah.
The walk includes speeches at the halfway point at North Steyne followed by a ceremony at Shelly Beach to remember the women and children whose lives have been tragically lost to domestic and family violence this year. Orange cutouts of hands will be pegged up to represent each life lost. Zonta visits schools and gets students involved in making the orange hands.
“It helps (young people) understand that this is a big issue and we’re losing people to domestic and family violence each year, a preventable death,” Narelle says.
Close to 200 people participated in 2024, and this year Narelle hopes to surpass the 300 mark. She encourages participants to wear orange to show their support.
Council is a staunch supporter of 16 Days of Activism Campaign and the Network. “Unfortunately, family violence remains a major issue in Australia and is occurring behind closed doors here within our community on the Northern Beaches,” says Mayor Sue Heins. “Northern Beaches Council is proud to work with the Network again in 2025 to deliver a series of events and initiatives as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.”
Mayor Heins is also encouraging people to support the campaign. “I encourage everyone to join the walk or other event, stand up and speak out to help raise awareness and show support to those impacted,” she says.
Westfield Warringah Mall in Brookvale is supporting local services by hosting stalls within the mall to increase awareness, distribute information, and provide support related to priority populations. Narelle says it’s an opportunity for the community to learn who the support services are in our community.
This year a special lunch will be held on 25 November, the opening day of the 16 Days Campaign.
If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For help 24/7, call the NSW Domestic Violence line on 1800 656 463.
Northern Beaches Domestic Violence Walk
5 December at 9am
Queenscliff Lagoon (meet next to playground) to Shelly Beach
Wear orange if you can
Domestic Violence Resources
Westfield Warringah Mall
Brookvale
Details to be confirmed
16 Days Campaign opening day brunch
25 November
Balgowlah Golf Club
For more event information email nbdvnetwork@gmail.com or visit the council website.
