Preventing domestic violence is a community issue

A community workshop will be held for Lower North Shore community members, volunteers, and human services workers next month to raise awareness and help develop responses to the complex issue of domestic and family violence.

The Lower North Shore Domestic Violence Network and Lifeline Northern Beaches are presenting the free workshop with support from Mosman Council on Thursday, 7 June from 9.30am to 1.30pm at Mosman Square Seniors Centre, and urge anyone who wants to learn more and how they can make a difference to register and attend.

Lifeline will give a presentation while the North Shore Police Area Command, Northern Sydney Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service, and local women’s refuges will participate in a panel discussion.

Network Chairperson Susan Spencer highlighted the importance of raising community awareness of domestic and family violence and said help was at hand through local and metropolitan services.

“‘It Happens on the North Shore Too’ is our slogan to get the message across that the Lower North Shore is not immune to domestic and family violence,” she said. “We need to better inform the community that it can take many forms, including physical, sexual, mental, and financial abuse and that there are local services that people can contact for information and support for themselves or on behalf of a relative, friend, neighbour, colleague or client.”

Mayor of Mosman Carolyn Corrigan, who will open the workshop, acknowledged the importance of raising community awareness and empowering community members in addressing domestic and family violence and thanked the Network and Lifeline for organising the event with Council support.

“To effectively respond to and prevent domestic violence requires the joint efforts of the community as a whole,” she said. “This forum will enable community members to learn more about this community issue and find out how to access support if they know of anyone affected by domestic and family violence. We also hope to get their ideas on strategies we can undertake as a community to prevent domestic and family violence.”

For more information and bookings: events.mosman.nsw.gov.au

For more information on the Network: northshoredomesticviolence.org.au

For information, support and help call the 24-hour NSW Domestic Violence Phone Line 1800 65 64 63 or in an emergency dial 000.