A garden bed with a small green bush and a purple and white heart-shaped sign that reads 'So many beautiful Souls Last.' The sign is planted in the soil and is sponsored by the Bayside Council.

Domestic and family violence is Australia’s number one policing issue. Peaceful Bayside believes prevention starts locally, with open conversations, community leadership and early intervention that breaks cycles of harm before they escalate.

Domestic violence affects women, children and men across all communities. Trauma, silence and lack of early support allow harm to repeat across generations.

We advocate for justice reinvestment, education, safer public spaces and practical recovery pathways that put people and communities first. This is not a women’s issue alone. Men must be part of prevention, responsibility and healing.

Domestic Violence Prevention

Council's policies
Community notice about safety improvements in Rockdale, Australia, with details on feedback methods, upcoming events, and project images.

Safer public places

Safety is shaped by place. Well-lit streets, safer transport corridors and effective oversight reduce risk and improve confidence for people moving through public space.

Peaceful Bayside has delivered tangible safety measures that support broader domestic violence prevention by improving everyday security and reporting pathways.

”Her way” grant funding led to Council asking women in the community about their experience and Council responded by installing lighting, seating and events in Laycock Walk, Mascot. In King Street Mall, Rockdale Council added new festoon and gateway lighting, street furniture, plants and organised community events to activate evening business, and for community members to get to know their neighbours. In Astridge Lane, Rockdale they commissioned a local artist to design mural on the walkway.

In Ramsgate Beach, fairy lights were installed at Bill Batley Square in response to our Notice of Motion. At Gugaja Skate Park, we have successfully advocated for lights until at least 9pm to allow evening skate sessions in winter months.

Crowd of people walking outdoors near a waterfront on a sunny day, with green trees and clear blue sky.

Justice reinvestment focuses on building safer communities rather than relying only on punishment. It redirects resources toward prevention, education, recovery and local solutions informed by community knowledge and data.

Peaceful Bayside supports justice reinvestment because it strengthens families, reduces repeat harm and creates long-term safety.

Prevention starts young. Education helps young people recognise respectful behaviour, understand consent, identify abuse and recover from trauma. Early intervention reduces long-term harm and future violence.

Our advocacy focuses on age-appropriate education for both young men and young women, alongside broader public campaigns that normalise respect and accountability.

Community-led solutions that prevent harm

Council's policies
Group of women holding a large check and standing in front of a flight information board at a golf club. The check is made out to Bayside Women's Shelter for $10,000. The women are smiling and dressed in casual summer clothing.

Supporting people beyond crisis

Leaving violence often requires stable housing, access to services and pathways back to employment or education. Recovery is not a single step, it is a process.

We support policies that prioritise transitional and affordable housing, mental health support and long-term recovery outcomes. We also promote safer streets and encourage the night-time economy to ensure that if anyone does need to leave their home temporarily or permanently, they can feel safe in their local area at night.

If you are in immediate danger, call 000

  • Domestic violence includes physical, emotional, psychological, financial and coercive abuse within family or intimate relationships.

  • A community where violence is prevented early, survivors are supported to recover, and accountability is clear and consistent.

  • Prevention stops harm before it occurs, reduces trauma for children and lowers long-term social and economic costs.

  • A community-led approach that redirects resources from prisons into prevention, education and local solutions.

  • We co-sponsored a successful LGNSW motion calling for Domestic Violence Action Plans across NSW councils and supported safer public space initiatives including CCTV policy and neighbourhood safety measures. We advocate for the creation of local ‘safe spaces’ such as libraries, LGBTQIA organisations, youth groups and community gardens where locals can connect with others and feel safe, away from home.

    We are continually advocating for domestic and family violence prevention and general safety and inclusion programs for vulnerable minority groups; some achievements include:

    • Better lighting for women’s safety

    • Support for domestic violence services, events and commemorations

    • Support for LGBTQI annual forums 

    • Support for women’s soccer facilities 

    • Bayside Council joined the Back Your Neighbour advocacy group

    • Accessibility audit complete across Lady Robinson Beach

    • Accessible shower at Vanstone Baths

  • Safer streets and public spaces reduce risk, increase reporting and support people leaving unsafe situations.

  • Ensure domestic violence action plans are implemented locally, expand prevention education and strengthen recovery pathways.

    We are continually advocating for domestic and family violence prevention and general safety and inclusion programs for vulnerable minority groups; some initiatives we are working on include:

    • First teenage girl co-design park

    • Brighton-Le-Sands town centre masterplan with people focus

    • Inclusion of library and community hub at Brighton-Le-Sands Boulevarde Car Park Renewal

    • Toilet renewal for Brighton, Ramsgate and Kyeemagh toilets

    • Night time lighting - Gujaga skate park, Rockdale

  • By staying informed, speaking up, supporting local services and advocating for prevention-focused policies.

Did you know?

  • In 2025, 75% of all crimes in Ward 4 were Domestic Violence related

  • Family and domestic violence is Australia’s number one policing issue

  • Children exposed to domestic violence face higher risks of long-term trauma

  • Early intervention significantly reduces repeat violence

  • According to the ABS, FDV-related sexual assault victimisation rates increased by 78% between 2014 and 2023

  • Community-led prevention programs show stronger long-term outcomes

  • Housing instability is one of the biggest barriers to leaving violence

  • Men and boys play a critical role in prevention and accountability

  • AIHW research indicates that Police-recorded FDV data is an underestimate of FDV-related offences

  • Trauma-informed policing improves survivor outcomes

  • Safer public spaces reduce under-reporting of violence

  • According to the ABS, more than 1 in 2 police-recorded assaults were related to FDV nationally (excluding VIC) in 2023

A group of eight people standing outdoors during sunset, holding candles, participating in a memorial or vigil near a body of water with houses in the background.
Group of seven women standing outdoors in front of a blue tent, with trees and other people in the background at a park event.
A diverse group of people participating in a march along a waterfront, holding a banner that reads "Bayside says NO to Domestic Violence." They are wearing casual clothing and hats, and the scene is sunny with a city skyline in the distance.
A woman and a police officer engaging in a conversation inside a modern building. The woman is wearing glasses, a black jacket, and a red scarf. The police officer is in uniform with patches and a badge, holding a phone and gesturing with his hands.
A man in a police uniform stands at a podium during a Bayside Council meeting. A large projector screen behind him displays the Bayside Council logo and text announcing the Bayside Council meeting, with some neon arrows and the NSW Police Force emble
Four women standing outdoors, some wearing orange hats, with trees and a body of water in the background on a sunny day.
A police officer and a woman are having a conversation outdoors near a park with trees. The police officer is holding a small paper, wearing a hat and a uniform with a red flower pinned on the chest. The woman is wearing an orange hat, earrings, and
Wet sidewalk on a city street at night, with colorful string lights hanging above. Two children with backpacks walk along the sidewalk, and a few shops and buildings line the street.
A large group of people sitting in white folding chairs in a park, listening to a woman in a purple dress speaking at a podium outdoors with trees, a parking lot, and cloudy sky in the background.

Recent increase in FDV-related sexual assaults

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare/ABS, between 2014 and 2023 the rate of Family and Domestic Violence related sexual assaults increased by 78% (from 30 to 53 per 100,000 people), with rates consistently higher for females than males. It is unclear whether this increase is due to changes in reporting behaviour, increased awareness about forms of violence, changes to police practices, an increase in incidents and/or a combination of these factors.

Family and Domestic Violence Support Services

Who do you call if there is immediate danger?

1

Emergency and Life-threatening Situations
Police 000

Law Enforcement
Crime stoppers (report anonymously) 1800 333 000
NSW Police Assistance Line: 131 444

Who do you call for support and referrals?

2

Helplines
1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
Kids Help Line: 1800 551 800
Lifeline: 131 114
NSW Sexual Violence Helpline: 1800 424 017
Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277
NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 656 463
Women's Crisis Line: 1800 811 811
Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491
Mensline: 1300 789 978

Who can help with accommodation and advocacy?

3

Emergency Accommodation
Link2Home: 1800 152 152

Legal Services
Legal Aid NSW: 9219 6300
Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service: 1800 938 227
Women’s Legal Service NSW: 1800 801 501

Indigenous Services
Aboriginal Family Worker Program: (The Family Co.) 9528 2933
Aboriginal Legal Service NSW: 1800 765 767
Victims Services (Aboriginal): 1800 019 123

Settlement and Community Services
Settlement Services International: 8799 6700

Call Emergency Triple Zero (000) if you or your children are in immediate danger.

How to access more information in a safe way?

4

The NSW Domestic Violence website can provide you with a wide range of information about domestic violence if you are at risk or are concerned about another person.

If you are in or are planning to leave a violent relationship, it is important to make a safety plan first.

If you need to access a safer computer, consider using one at work, at school, at a library, or at a Service NSW service centre.

A little ‘people power’ can make a BIG difference.

  • Volunteer

    Volunteer

    Peaceful Bayside is powered by people like you. We’re a community of caring, fun, creative locals and when you volunteer with us, you’ll make a real difference right where you live. Whether you have a little time or a lot, there’s a place for you in our team — so please volunteer and help us build a better Bayside, together.

    Learn more
  • Join the Party

    Join the Party

    If you want safer streets, greener parks, more liveable neighbourhoods, and a thriving local arts and culture scene — then join our party! It’s free, it keeps local democracy strong, and keeps the major parties more accountable. Becoming a member gives you a real voice on Council and the power to shape our community. Don’t get angry — get elected!

    Learn more
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    Donate

    Every dollar you give helps keep our community movement strong and independent. Your support powers all our local campaigns, keeps Peaceful Bayside representatives on Council, helps us stay connected through our website, newsletters, and events — all run on the dedication of volunteers and the smell of an oily rag.

    Learn more
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    Follow us on socials

    By following Deputy Mayor Heidi Lee Douglas or Councillor Janin Bredehoeft on social media you can keep an eye on our progress and add your comments and ideas to upcoming ‘hot topics’ at Council. You can also follow one of our other pages like Peaceful Bayside, Peaceful Bayside Action Group, Kamay Greenway, Creative Bayside and Big Trucks Off Bexley.

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● CONTACT

Join the conversation

If you would like more information about our group, have a media enquiry or want to ask a general question, please fill out this Contact Us form.

If you would like to support us by donating your time visit the volunteer page.

Issues, questions and ideas for Heidi (Ward 5)?

To send us ideas or report on-the-ground issues across Ward 5 (Kyeemagh, Brighton Le Sands, Monterey, Ramsgate, Sandringham, Dolls Point), please email heidilee.douglas@bayside.nsw.gov.au

Issues, questions and ideas for Janin (Ward 3)?

To send us ideas or report on-the-ground issues across Ward 3 (Rockdale, Arncliffe, Banksia, Bexley), please email janin.bredehoeft@bayside.nsw.gov.au