Stepping up to stare down scourge of domestic violence

Last published on 22 Nov 2019 

Thousands of people will take to the streets of Sydney today in a sign of strength, solidarity, and support for domestic and family violence victim-survivors across the state.

Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman will join crowds taking a stand against violence, at the Step Out Speak Out walk from Randwick to Coogee before marching in the Sutherland Shire Walk Against Domestic Violence.

“These events are a powerful demonstration of what people across our communities can achieve together as a united front against domestic and family violence,” Mr Speakman said.

“Walks are also happening in Kogarah and Wollongong, and the Campbelltown Convoy will be hitting the road today – while the Forbes community will be marching down Lachlan Street and people across Young are holding a walk and family community day, just to name a handful.

“People should never underestimate the impact they can make by simply stepping up and sending a strong message that we say no to violence, we stand beside victim-survivors and those who perpetrate these abhorrent crimes will be held to account.”

Mr Speakman will walk alongside police, students, sporting clubs, and community members during the Randwick to Coogee and Cronulla advocacy events that have been organised by local councils and police with the support of schools and other community groups.

The walks kick-start the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, which begins on Monday 25 November and ends on Human Rights Day on 10 December.

“The ‘16 days’ campaign will see people around the world campaigning to eradicate violence against women and girls that tragically continues at alarming rates,” Mr Speakman said.

The NSW Government is leading the way in responding to domestic and family violence with a record $431 million investment over four years.

The investment will help deliver initiatives comprising a greater focus on prevention, better support and safety planning for victims, dedicated police who target high-risk domestic violence offenders and greater accountability for perpetrators.

The Step Out Speak Out march takes place today from 7.15am, starting at High Cross Park in Randwick and finishing at Grant Reserve in Coogee. Further information is available via https://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/community/whats-on/step-out-speak-out-walk.

The Sutherland Shire Walk Against Domestic Violence kicks off from 10.30am at Don Lucas Reserve behind Wanda Beach and concludes at Dunningham Park. Find out more by visiting Every step counts 2019.

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