“Disturbing” statistics on domestic violence incite response from City of Sydney Council

By ERIN MODARO

The City of Sydney Council has unanimously voted to improve awareness and responses to domestic violence at a recent council meeting, after data has revealed a significant increase in cases since 2020. Sydney Councillor Linda Scott tabled a motion calling for council to include training and learning modules to local government, as well as other prevention programs.

Cr Scott said the statistics on domestic violence in recent years have been “disturbing”.

“They’re up nearly 8% from 2020. And domestic violence related assault is up just over 3%” she said to City Hub. The council motion notes that 1 in 6 Australians have been subject to some form of domestic violence since the age of 15.

“We know we’ve seen these figures increasing really significantly since 2020. There’s a lot more that the city can do.”

In her motion Cr Scott recommended a training program from organisation OurWatch be utilised by council, which is geared to equip local government with the ability to address domestic violence in communities. She said that community education is a “fantastic way” for community members to be able to identify both early and advanced signs of domestic violence.

“Local government is, of course, the closest level of government to our community. And so we’re uniquely situated to be in a position to influence and drive social change” Cr Scott said.

34 women killed this year says Domestic Violence NSW

Peak organisation Domestic Violence NSW says that domestic violence is not only worsening across NSW, but all of Australia, as well as being exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Interim CEO of Domestic Violence NSW Elise Phillips said to City Hub that 34 women have been killed by domestic and family violence in 2022 alone. Phillips highlighted the important role of local government in addressing domestic violence within the community.

“Local government can prevent domestic violence and increase gender equity via community awareness campaigns, safe and respectful community spaces, and promoting girls and women’s participation in sport.”

Phillips said that training programs, such as the ones provided by OurWatch, can have a significant impact on prevention and awareness of domestic violence.

“Providing Local Government with training increases awareness of the drivers of domestic violence, case studies of local government initiatives and creates opportunities for best practice sharing.”

DVNSW assisted 15 local government areas in NSW with training based on OurWatch frameworks, and cited Parramatta City Council and the Inner West Council as success cases for the role that local government can play in reducing domestic violence.

Cr Scott says her motion is designed to ensure The City of Sydney is doing all it can to make sure local government is doing its part.

“I think there’s an obligation on every member of society to try and prevent domestic violence and support those who may be experiencing it” Cr Scott said.

“I think there’s so much more that local government can do.”