On the Coast – Families Issue 101 I August/September 2019 | Page 38

on the coast
happenings
Council says ‘Enough Already’ to
domestic violence on the Central Coast
An advertising campaign urging men to call out
friends’ abusive behaviour towards women has
launched across the Central Coast.
The campaign – called Enough Already – will roll
out across billboards, bus shelters, bins and social
media with a call to action to stop domestic violence.
Domestic violence can be verbal or physical, and is all
about control. A mate should encourage other men to
call out disrespect towards women.
Council Acting Director Connected Communities, Phil
Cantillon, said the campaign arose from round-table
discussions with key organisations seeking to reduce
domestic violence on the Coast.
Northern Lakes Neighbourhood Centre presents
Dad’s Day Out
10th Birthday Celebrations!
Celebrating the important role that men play in the
lives of their children & family
• Face Painting • Tug of war • The Clenton Inc.
Yadaki & Dance
Mob • Family Photo
Booth • Badge making • Pet rocks • Fran’s Plaster Fun • Spray tattoos Lake Munmorah Reserve
• Free BBQ and $1
cold drinks
available Colongra Bay Road
(Held in the hall if raining)
• Drumming • The Fun Engine • Giant Connect 4 This is a family friendly,
community safe,
accessible & alcohol free
event
• Ninja Warrior
Course
• Balloon Animals
• Kinder Farm (baby
animals)
• Sand Art
• Fishing activities
• Ashayne Fitness-
soccer, races,
volley ball
...Plus much more!
22
Sun
Sept
10am - 2pm
“Input from these round-table talks informed this
campaign to help shift long-held attitudes surrounding
disrespectful behaviour towards women,” Mr Cantillon
said. “Statistics show the Central Coast had the
second-highest number of domestic violence
Apprehended Violence Orders in figures (NSW Bureau
of Crime Statistics and Research – BOCSAR) issued for
the 12 months to March 2019. “Council wants to see
this statistic decrease. This campaign gets behind the
numbers, to focus on the lives of ordinary people and
helps us to help our friends create better family
relationships.
“The data is in. Children living with domestic violence
can have ongoing anxiety and depression, difficulty
concentrating and can struggle doing schoolwork.”
Mayor Jane Smith said part of Council’s role is to work
together with other government agencies and local
organisations to build stronger and safer communities.
“Council has been working with respected experts
in this area, creating a strong message. We all have
a responsibility to reach out and help support our
community,” Mayor Smith said
“Council has an important role to play in helping
resolve social issues that impact on community
wellbeing.
“This includes domestic violence. We want the Central
Coast to be a safe place to live.”
Programs are available for men who have either
been a victim of family violence, or are seeking
to understand their behaviour’s impact and
make changes. These include Caring Dads run by
CatholicCare Diocese of Broken Bay.
Contact 4356 2600 for more information on this
program.
Women who are seeking support for family violence
can call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on
1800 656 463.