Relationships Australia NSW

Many people experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence will see their GP more often than most other services. It's estimated that a full-time GP sees around five women each week who have experienced intimate partner violence in the past 12 months, highlighting the crucial role primary care can play in early intervention and ongoing support. For many victim-survivors, a GP clinic is the only safe moment they have away from the person causing them harm. That's why our Care and Connect team partners closely with GPs and Allied Health Professionals to help you recognise risk, respond safely to disclosures, and feel confident about next steps. We offer practical education on identifying red flags, supporting patient-led decision making, and navigating immediate safety concerns. If you'd like to learn more or book training for your practice, contact us on 02 4278 4803 or dfv-linker@ransw.org.au. Learn more on our website: https://lnkd.in/gipeNzix #16Days #NoExcuse #ForAllWomenAndGirls

We're proud to share our Impact Report 2024–25 – a reflection on a year that showed just how much people rely on strong relationships to navigate life's challenges. Across NSW, families and communities continued to feel the strain of cost-of-living pressures, loneliness, mental health struggles and the ongoing impacts of violence and trauma. In this environment, the role of organisations like ours has never been more important. Over the past year, we: 🔹Supported 28,686 people across NSW 🔹Delivered 13,759 counselling sessions 🔹Helped 9,230 people navigate separation 🔹Provided $64,445 in pro-bono services 🔹Saw a 53% increase in referrals to our Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Linker program 🔹Secured $1.6 million in new funding to expand men's behaviour change programs These achievements are possible because of the dedication of our staff, and the trust of our partners and funders. Thank you for your continued collaboration and support. 👉 Read our 2024–25 Impact Report: https://lnkd.in/gqzvjT26

The coroner's findings into the murder of Lilie James in 2023 by her ex-boyfriend Paul Thijssen are a heartbreaking reminder of the human cost of gendered and domestic violence. Magistrate O'Sullivan described Lilie as a "gregarious, outgoing [person] surrounded by many friends" and her death as "senseless and violent".   She made clear that Lilie's murder "is not an isolated tragedy – it is part of a devastating pattern of violence against women that needs urgent and sustained action", calling out the "alarming and persistent scourge of gendered and domestic violence in Australia" and urging greater focus on education, prevention and change to protect women's lives.   We share Magistrate O'Sullivan's and Lilie's father's call for more awareness of what domestic and family violence looks like – including coercive control and tech-facilitated abuse – and for continued, collective commitment to prevention.   Read more: https://lnkd.in/g6qZhnNA   If this story raises concerns for you or someone you know, support is available: 🔹1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 🔹NSW Domestic Violence Line – 1800 656 463 🔹Lifeline – 13 11 14 🔹In an emergency, always call 000

Behaviour change is key to preventing domestic and family violence – and leaders like Sally are helping drive that change in the Hunter. For more than a decade, Sally has worked to support safer families and communities. As our Team Leader for Family Safety across the Hunter and Maitland, she leads the region's only accredited men's behaviour change program (MBCP), supporting men to take responsibility, build empathy and make safer choices. Sally's passion for this work grew after years supporting women and children impacted by violence. She saw the need to focus on where responsibility must sit – with the men using harm – and to create opportunities for genuine, long-term change. "When men step into a place of accountability and responsibility, they can start making safer choices, and become the most respectful and safe man, father and partner they can be," Sally says. "Ultimately, that's what creates safety for families and the wider community." Today, she leads the largest MBCP team in NSW, working through an integrated model that supports both men in the program and the victim-survivors connected to them. For Sally, success looks like greater safety, accountability and the chance for families to heal. During #16Days of Activism, we're proud to recognise the people across our organisation who are creating safer futures. #NoExcuse #ForAllWomenAndGirls #MensBehaviourChange

This morning, our staff joined local organisations, community members and the Ryde Hunters Hill Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Committee for the sixth annual Make A Stand march in Macquarie Park. With the support of The Northern Centre, council partners, many dedicated locals and Relationships Australia NSW, the march has become a community tradition during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – a moment each year to raise awareness and honour those whose lives have been lost to domestic and family violence. Coming together sends a clear message that violence has no place in our homes, workplaces or communities. Thank you to everyone who walked with us today, and to our staff who showed up in solidarity. #16Days #NoExcuse #ForAllWomenAndGirls

Violence reshapes families in ways that can last a lifetime. Across our communities, many people are living with its impacts every day. Today marks the first day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – UN Women's global call to end violence against women and children. For our teams, this work is deeply personal. Every day, we support people who are trying to keep themselves and their children safe, who are rebuilding after harm, and who are working to change behaviour that has caused real damage. 🔸 Nearly 40% of children have been exposed to domestic and family violence. 🔸 1 in 4 women in Australia has experienced violence by an intimate partner. 🔸 One woman loses her life every nine days to a current or former partner in Australia. Our work supports the whole family system – standing with victim-survivors, ensuring children are heard and supported, and helping people who use violence take responsibility and learn safer ways of relating. Safety guides everything we do. Over the next 16 days, and every day, we stand alongside those working for a future where every family can feel safe, respected, and hopeful. #16Days #NoExcuse #ForAllWomenAndGirls Sources: Australian Child Maltreatment Study; Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW); Our Watch

Modern family life asks a lot of men – and expectations around fatherhood continue to evolve. We're joining The Fathering Project for a free online webinar that opens up an honest conversation about what's changing, and the pressures many men are navigating in their relationships right now. Our Practice Specialist, Andrew King, will facilitate the session, alongside speakers from across the sector, including: 🔵 Káti Jahromi Gapaillard GAICD, CEO, The Fathering Project 🔵 Representatives from CatholicCare Sydney, KidsXpress, and Mentoring Men If you work with men, support families, or want to deepen your understanding of the challenges men face today, we'd love you to join us. Register now: https://lnkd.in/gDR8P-B5

Many families are now facing a challenging reality: separating, but continuing to live under the same roof because they simply can't afford to live apart. Our latest rapid review shows a quiet rise in couples navigating separation while still sharing a household – often due to housing pressures, rising costs, or a desire to maintain stability for their children. While some families make this work, many describe blurred boundaries, tension and significant emotional strain as they try to move forward while still living in the same space. “We’re hearing more stories of couples who’ve separated but simply can't afford to maintain two households,” said Elisabeth Shaw, our CEO. “For some, it's a temporary compromise. For others, it becomes a long-term necessity that brings real emotional challenges – particularly for children.” Understanding how and why families live together apart is vital to building services that reflect today's realities, and help people separate safely, fairly and with dignity. Read the full article and research paper 👇

Many people find themselves supporting a colleague, client or friend through a tough moment – often without formal training. Our Accidental Counsellor workshop gives you practical, easy-to-use skills to respond safely and with confidence. Next workshop: 📅 Tuesday, 9 December 💻 9:30am to 1:00pm on Zoom If your role involves listening, guiding or managing emotionally charged conversations, this session will help you feel more prepared. Places fill quickly – join us to strengthen your confidence in those tough conversations. Book your spot here: https://lnkd.in/g5KcctG7

We're proud to share that we've been recognised as a 2025-2026 Inclusive Employer by the Diversity Council Australia Ltd. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported to do their best work. Inclusion is part of who we are. Our people bring a rich mix of experiences and perspectives: 🔹30% identify as culturally and/or linguistically diverse 🔹2.5% identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander 🔹18% live with a disability 🔹17% identify as LGBTQIA+ 🔹49% are carers for people living with a disability 🔹71% of our Senior Leadership team are women “Belonging is at the heart of strong relationships, and that starts with our own team,” says Elisabeth Shaw, our CEO. “When people feel respected and understood, they can bring their full selves to their work. This recognition is a reminder that our culture shapes the care and connection we offer our clients.” Our commitment to inclusion extends beyond our workplace. We're privileged to support people from all walks of life across NSW, and we know that a diverse and inclusive team helps us better understand and serve the communities we work with. #DCAInclusiveEmployer #InclusionAtWorkWeek