Pubs, clubs, and hotels have thrown their weight behind the NSW Government's Speak Out campaign.
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The campaign encourages people who have experience domestic violence to call the State's free 24/7 helpline for support.
Member for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith said the campaign would be expanded through new partnerships with the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) and Clubs NSW.
"We know from people who have experienced domestic violence and frontline domestic violence workers that one of the challenges during COVID-19 has been finding a safe place to seek help," he said.
"A recent Australian Institute of Criminology report also found that domestic violence had risen during the pandemic, but a large proportion of victims were not reporting to police - demonstrating the timely role this campaign can play in promoting other support services.
"I'm pleased that venues are ensuring that the critical messages in this campaign continue to reach those across the community to help keep women safe."
AHA NSW Director, Liquor and Policing, John Green said domestic violence is never acceptable.
"Talented women make up a large percentage of our workforce and AHA NSW is proud to take a stand to support this worthwhile campaign," Mr Green said.
"Hotels are part of the community and our members want it known domestic violence has absolutely no place in society."
ClubsNSW CEO Josh Landis said that clubs have a long history of supporting the most needy in our community, including those affected by domestic violence, so your local club is proud to get behind the Speak Out campaign.
"People suffering from domestic violence might feel alone, but they aren't. They should not suffer in silence. Clubs across NSW are pleased to share the message that help is available - they just need to speak out," Mr Landis said.
Attorney General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Mark Speakman thanked AHA and Clubs NSW for their support of the campaign.
"I'm thrilled that thousands of venues will now have Speak Out posters available for display to ensure that people who are affected by domestic violence know that the trained counsellors at the NSW Domestic Violence Line are there to listen, and there to help," Mr Speakman said.
The campaign features the words "Speak Out" painted on the lips of people of different ages and cultural backgrounds to highlight that domestic violence does not discriminate.
Read also: Reach out with the question RUOK?
To date, the campaign has been in shopping centres including restrooms, near supermarkets and pharmacies, at bus stops, and in hospitals and medical centres where people who have experienced domestic violence may feel safe to contact the NSW Domestic Violence Line.
The Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) can help people affected by domestic violence to develop a safety plan, find accommodation, including for their children, provide information about services and advise on how best to contact police, lawyers and the courts.
Interpreters are also available.
This campaign builds on the NSW Government's ongoing commitment to reduce domestic and family violence, including the NSW and Commonwealth investment of more than $21 million to boost frontline services across the State in May in response to COVID-19.
In addition, the $9 million COVID-19 Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Grant program kicked off on August 26, after a further funding boost from the Federal Government, through which NSW domestic and family violence services can apply for one-off grants.
Grant applications close at 5pm (AEST) on Wednesday September 23, 2020. To apply, complete the online application form at https://www.women.nsw.gov.au/commissioning/DFVCovid19Funding.
Available services include:
- 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) is a confidential information, counselling and support service
- NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) is a statewide telephone crisis counselling and referral service for women
- Men's Referral Service (1300 766 491) provide telephone counselling, information and referrals for men
- Link2Home (1800 152 152) can help refer women experiencing domestic violence to crisis accommodation
- Lifeline (13 11 14) is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
- If you are in danger or in an emergency, always contact Triple Zero (000).
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