Sporting organisations and NSW Government unite to address domestic violence

The NSW Government has joined forces with sporting organisations to announce the formation of a new whole-of-sport partnership that unites the sports community in the prevention of domestic, family and sexual violence.

The state government announced more than $500,000 over the next three years to support a suite of initiatives that will be delivered by sports organisations to raise awareness and change community perceptions towards domestic, family and sexual violence.

This Multi-Sport Coalition brings together professional sports clubs, State Sporting Organisations, industry stakeholders and the NSW Government to use their influence to address the drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence and progress gender equality through sport.

South Sydney Rabbitohs Chief Executive Blake Solly shared “The Rabbitohs are extremely proud to stand with professional clubs, State Sporting Organisations and the NSW Government to support this powerful initiative.

“Sport has an extremely significant role to play in ensuring that we end domestic, family and sexual violence.

“There is no place in society for this violence, and we are fully committed to supporting all efforts to end it.”

Western Sydney Wanderers Chief Executive Scott Hudson added “as a club deeply embedded in Western Sydney, we understand the role we play in shaping community attitudes and behaviours.

“Football has the power to unite, to educate and to lead by example and we are committed to using that platform to help prevent domestic, family and sexual violence.

“The Wanderers are proud to stand alongside our fellow sporting organisations and the NSW Government in this critical initiative.”

The Coalition will be Chaired by NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin with national violence prevention organisation Our Watch Chief Executive  Patty Kinnersly and Sport NSW Chief Executive Stuart Hodge appointed key Coalition partners.

Last year, the NSW Government launched the State’s first standalone Strategy for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence 2024-2028 which aims to address the drivers of domestic, family and sexual violence by working with communities, schools, workplaces and sporting clubs and local organisations. This partnership is the result of $38 million funding delivered under the 2024/25 Budget to roll out primary prevention activities across the state.

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper notes “Sport is part of the fabric of communities across NSW and sporting organisations, both amateur and professional, can play a powerful role in influencing community attitudes.

“The NSW Government is working together with sporting organisations, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place for domestic, family or sexual violence in our society.

“This partnership is about using the influence of sport to drive cultural change and build a safer NSW for women and children.”

NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison added “The NSW Government is working hard to build a safer state for women and children by taking action in primary prevention and early intervention in domestic and family violence.

“Through our primary prevention strategy, we want to work with the community to address the drivers of violence against women where people live, work, learn, play and socialise.

“Sport is an important part of Australian culture so a commitment like this from sporting codes sends a strong message that violence against women is unacceptable.

“Seeing our sporting heroes role model respectful behaviours will help change attitudes that condone or tolerate violence in our community.”

Image. Domestic Violence Credit: Pexels/ anete lusina