The NSW Police Force is teaming up with community, sporting and government agencies to tackle domestic and family violence head-on, ensuring everyone is on the same team for a safer future.
Launched in 2023, in a bid to educate and encourage people to take a stand against domestic and family violence, the South Coast Police District, along with Group 7 Rugby League, NSW Rugby League and NRL is hosting more than 200 students from Year 9 to 11 from the Shoalhaven region, in an under 16s Rugby League (men's) and League Tag (women's) Gala Day.
This year's South Coast Police District DV Awareness Cup has expanded from five to six local high schools – Nowra, Vincentia, Shoalhaven, Bomaderry and Ulladulla High Schools once again are taking part. St John the Evangelist Catholic High School now joining the playing roster.
In the lead up to the gala day, police officers attached to South Coast Police District attended the participating schools to educate students on a range of issues including respect and how to seek help if you are victim of family or domestic violence.
Students are donning specially designed jerseys for the DV Awareness Cup designed by students at each school, with a reference to their heritage and community.
Shoalhaven-based government and community organisations are in attendance, providing information to students and their families on services and support available to break the cycle of domestic and family violence.
The event is backed by the NRL, with footy great and Australian Rugby League representative, now NRL Ambassador, Garry Jack, along with St George Illawarra NRL and NRLW players in attendance.
South Coast Police District Commander Superintendent Darren Brand said this is an important event bringing stakeholders together to tackle what is a wider community issue.
"We know there is no single solution to stop domestic and family violence, the NSW Police will continue to work with community leaders, government agencies and the private sector to put a stop to domestic violence offenders and protect our communities. Educating the younger generation how to seek help and to break the cycle of violence is part of the solution and why the DV Awareness Cup is such an important event for the South Coast Police District," Supt Brand said.
"Today's gala day and the education sessions in the lead up to today's event, provides a safe space for people to come forward and ask for help, to educate themselves about certain behaviours such as coercive control to better protect themselves, their families and their future."
"I'm very proud of my team for organising today. The event continues to grow every year and we would love to see our Police Districts across Southern Region adopt this format to educate the next generation, in a fun and safe environment."
At the conclusion of the event, a merit-based team will be selected to attend training and a meet and greet session with the Dragons NRL and NRLW teams.
The day runs from 8.30am to 2pm, with members of the public encouraged to come down and cheers on the students and speak to a range of services if they are in need of assistance.
