Local Pubs, Clubs and Hotels Throw Support Behind New Domestic Violence Prevention Campaign

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has today announced that a number of local pubs, clubs, and hotels have thrown their weight behind the New South Wales Government’s Speak Out campaign that encourages domestic violence victim-survivors to call the State’s free 24/7 helpline for support.

Mr Ward said that the campaign will be expanded through new partnerships with the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) and Clubs NSW. 

A large number of local venues across the Kiama Electorate have received Speak Out posters for display in their venues this week, including:

Clubs NSW venues in the Kiama Electorate:

• Albion Park Bowling & Recreation Club
• Albion Park RSL Memorial Club
• Bomaderry RSL Club
• Gerringong Bowling Club
• Gerroa Boat Fishermans Club
• Kiama Bowling and Recreation Club
• Kiama Golf Club
• Kiama Leagues Club
• Berry Bowling Club
• Bomaderry Bowling Club
• Nowra Golf Club
• Shoalhaven Heads Bowling and Recreation Club
• Shoalhaven Heads Golf Club

AHA venues in the Kiama Electorate:

• Albion Park Hotel
• Oaks Hotel in Albion Park Rail
• Berry Hotel
• Great Southern Hotel in Berry
• Bomaderry Hotel
• Gerringong Hotel
• Jamberoo Pub
• Friendly Inn Hotel in Kangaroo Valley
• Grand Hotel in Kiama
• Kiama Inn Hotel
• North Nowra Tavern
• Shoalhaven Heads Pub

“We know from survivors and frontline domestic violence workers that one of the challenges during COVID-19 has been finding a safe place to seek help,” Mr Ward said.

“A recent Australian Institute of Criminology report also found that domestic violence had risen during the pandemic, but a large proportion of victims were not reporting to police – demonstrating the timely role this campaign can play in promoting other support services.

“I’m pleased that venues across the Kiama electorate are ensuring that the critical messages in this campaign continue to reach those across the community to help keep women safe.

“This campaign builds on the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to reduce domestic and family violence, including the NSW and Commonwealth investment of more than $21 million to boost frontline services across our State in May 2020 in response to COVID-19.

“In addition, the $9 million COVID-19 Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Grant program kicked off on 26 August, after a further funding boost from the Federal Government, through which NSW domestic and family violence services can apply for one-off grants,” Mr Ward said.

AHA NSW Director, Liquor and Policing, John Green said domestic violence is never acceptable.

“Talented women make up a large percentage of our workforce and AHA NSW is proud to take a stand to support this worthwhile campaign,” Mr Green said.

“Hotels are part of the community and our members want it known domestic violence has absolutely no place in society.”

ClubsNSW CEO Josh Landis said that clubs have a long history of supporting the most needy in our community, including those affected by domestic violence, so your local club is proud to get behind the Speak Out campaign. 

“People suffering from domestic violence might feel alone, but they aren’t. They should not suffer in silence. Clubs across NSW are pleased to share the message that help is available – they just need to speak out,” Mr Landis said.

The NSW Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman MP thanked the AHA and Clubs NSW for their support of this campaign.

“I’m thrilled that thousands of venues will now have Speak Out posters available for display to ensure victim-survivors know that the trained counsellors at the NSW Domestic Violence Line are there to listen, and there to help,” Mr Speakman said.

The campaign features the words “Speak Out” painted on the lips of people of different ages and cultural backgrounds to highlight that domestic violence does not discriminate.

To date, the campaign has been in shopping centres including restrooms, near supermarkets and pharmacies, at bus stops, and in hospitals and medical centres where victim-survivors may feel safe to contact the NSW Domestic Violence Line.

The Domestic Violence Line (1800 656 463) can help victim-survivors to develop a safety plan, find accommodation, including for their children, provide information about services and advise on how best to contact local Police, lawyers and the courts. Interpreters are also available.

Grant applications close at 5pm (AEST) on Wednesday 23rd September 2020.

To apply, complete the online application form at: https://www.women.nsw.gov.au/commissioning/DFVCovid19Funding.