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Need help? If you are in immediate danger, please call 000

Domestic and family violence occurs when someone who has a close personal relationship with you makes you feel afraid, powerless or unsafe. It can be physical, but can also be emotional and psychological. Anyone can experience domestic and family violence. It happens across communities, ages, cultures and sexes. Women are almost three times more likely than men to have experienced violence by a partner since the age of 15 (ABS, 2017).

Domestic violence takes many forms aiming to control, intimidate, terrify or coerce another person. It includes physical, sexual, verbal, psychological, mental, and emotional abuse. Also stalking, harassment, financial abuse and manipulation, denial of freedom or choice and control of access to family and friends. Council is committed to addressing domestic and family violence in our community.

Northern Beaches Domestic Violence Network

Northern Beaches Domestic Violence Network is an interagency which comprises representatives from local domestic violence services, local government, police and other stakeholders. Council have a pivotal role on this network to work in partnership with key services and community groups.

We work collaboratively to raise awareness and seek to use approaches that prevent domestic and family abuse within our local area. For more information please email.

Available Support

Domestic abuse doesn’t discriminate between race, gender, sexuality, culture or religion. Anyone can be affected.

In responding to issues relating to children, our Child Safety page suggests many resources offering advice and help. Keep Them Safe Family Referral Services (FRS) is a great starting point. Call 1800 066 757, 8am to 6pm weekdays or visit online.

For older people who are experiencing abuse, please call the Ageing & Disability Commission helpline (previously known as NSW Elder Abuse Helpline) on 1800 628 221 or visit their website.

These confidential hotlines are available 24hrs:

Call 0404 445 940 to reach the Northern Beaches Domestic Violence Triage service which is coordinated by the Northern Beaches Domestic Violence Network:

  • This service operates 7 days a week, 9.30am to 8pm
  • Triage service is a first point of contact to help access appropriate local support
  • It is not a crisis service however every enquiry will be responded to within 24 hours.  

There are a number of local services that support people experiencing domestic abuse. Please follow the links for more information.

Resources

  • If you are supporting someone who is experiencing domestic abuse, Insight Exchange have developed a resource, Follow My Lead to help you respond.
  • Domestic violence can take many forms, Another Closet: LGBTIQ Domestic & Family Violence provides more information about healthy relationships. Twenty10 supports and provides counselling services for people across Sydney and New South Wales who identify as LGBTQIA+. 
  • MensLine have a tip sheet for men who are experiencing domestic abuse. 
  • The Northern Sydney Domestic Violence Networks, in conjunction with NSW Police, have produced Domestic Violence is a Crime to provide Police and legal information. 
  • Charmed and Dangerous is a resource from Legal Aid NSW for women who wish to reclaim a healthy relationship after experiencing domestic violence.