Nepean Domestic Violence Network

The 28th of May is LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence Awareness Day. While abuse can happen to anyone, from all backgrounds and identities, LGBTQ+ people are at risk of unique forms of violence that target their gender and sexuality. Knowing that others care helps LGBTQ+ people feel seen and believed, encouraging them to make positive changes and ultimately saving lives.

We can all learn new things about how to be an ally, how to challenge bigotry, and how to be an everyday hero for all of our community.

While life can have challenges, love should never hurt. Hitting, screaming, demanding and controlling are never okay – not even from partners, family or friends.

Everyday heroes show the world that love should feel safe, supportive and caring.

Together, we can end domestic and family violence for good.

Not sure how you’d respond if someone told you they’re being abused? Focus on:

1. Listening, without interruption or judgement

2. Reassuring them you care and believe them

3. Helping them consider how they feel and what they want to do next

Being a hero means being a friend, not an expert.

Sometimes we see something worrying and are not sure what to do. Maybe it’s a loved one acting withdrawn, stressed or angry. Maybe it’s seeing a coworker with unexplained injuries, or suddenly jumping at every sound. Maybe it’s hearing a child say something off about home.

It can be easy to tell ourselves that it’s none of our business; that it’s a private matter, that we’re overreacting or being nosy. But being human means caring about each other. It means checking in, letting people know you’re there to listen and support them.

Some of our biggest heroes are doing the work of raising our next generations!

Teaching children and young people about consent, respect and boundaries can help prevent violence before it starts. We all have a responsibility to help the kids in our lives understand what safe, healthy relationships look like.

Most people think that domestic and family violence starts when somebody shouts, hits or threatens. But long before that, you can help set a culture that stops violence before it starts. Challenge sexist stereotypes, call out inappropriate jokes and champion equality and respect.

Small actions have big impacts. We can all do something to end domestic and family violence.

The first Wednesday in May is National Domestic and Family Violence Remembrance Day. Today we hold one minute’s silence to remember those who have been killed by a partner or family member. Communities are devastated by acts of violence. Prevention and early intervention can save lives – do you know the early warning signs of abuse?

An estimated 1 in 5 Australian adults have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from a partner, date or family member. Abuse can happen to anyone, from any background. Everyone deserves help.

If you are affected by domestic and family violence, tell someone you trust, or call 1800 RESPECT (1800 732 732).

May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. By talking about the damaging impact violence has in our homes and our communities, we can all be heroes to end DFV for good. Silence helps no one.

If you are affected by domestic and family violence, tell someone you trust, or call 1800 RESPECT (1800 732 732).

Join us this morning for the Walk Against Violence. Meet at 9am at the Blue Tree on Nepean Avenue, Penrith 🧡💙