Bayside Council, NSW
Domestic Violence Action Plan
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The Initiative
Local government is uniquely placed to deliver local activities and communication messages promoting healthy and safe local environments, given the diversity of services and facilities within councils, that have universal reach to a widespread local audience.
Bayside Council is committed to initiatives which address underlying causes of gender inequality and power imbalances to eliminate violence against women and their children, support and advocate for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence and sexual harassment; and/or raise awareness and create cultures and communities of respect, inclusion and gender equality.
In the 12 months to 31 December 2022 there were 620 incidences of domestic and family violence in the Bayside local government area, representing 341.7 incidences per 100,000 people in Bayside. This amounts to an increase of approximately four percent over a five-year period, and ranks Bayside at number 74 for the highest rates of domestic and family violence in the state.
While ending domestic and family violence is everyone’s responsibility, Council is able to operationalise strategic directions in ways that are meaningful to the local community, demonstrating leadership and a shared commitment to preventing violence against women. Our work with individuals, families, community organisations and groups, sporting and recreation clubs, and cultural and religious groups means Council is well placed to address broader determinants of community wellbeing.
Council has ratified its Domestic and Family Violence Action Plan 2022-2026, representing Council’s commitment to reducing gender violence in Bayside. The Action Plan includes two specific focus areas:
- a safe, inclusive and respectful Bayside community – focusing on the whole community through partnerships, Council services, community support and communication activities; and
- a Bayside Council culture that is welcoming, inclusive and respectful – focusing on the actions the organisation can take to improve staff culture, awareness and behaviour.
Bayside Council is committed to preventing domestic and family violence and promoting gender equality. This Action Plan is designed to underpin the Community Safety Strategy 2022-2026 and leverage local government’s unique position in having extensive reach, influence and access across our local community through the various services and facilities Bayside Council provides.
About the Category
The ‘Addressing Violence against Women and their Children’ category recognises local government initiatives which:
- address underlying causes of gender inequality and power imbalances to eliminate violence against women and their children;
- support and advocate for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence and sexual harassment; and/or
- raise awareness and create cultures and communities of respect, inclusion and gender equality.
Successful initiatives in this award category benefit communities by:
- preventing violence towards women by driving sustainable change in community awareness, attitudes and behaviours;
- supporting women and children who are at risk of, or experiencing, family and domestic violence, sexual violence or sexual harassment; and/or
- changing the attitudes and social norms that excuse or condone disrespect, sexual harassment and abuse.