NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon has stepped out with the community to champion the fight against domestic violence in an annual walk as part of a global movement to prevent and eliminate abuse.
Governor of NSW, Her Excellency, The Hon. Margaret Beazley AC KC, Margaret Beazley and Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, The Hon. Yasmin Catley MP, joined Commissioner Lanyon and Randwick City Council Mayor, Cr Dylan Parker, at the annual Step Out Speak Out walk today (Friday 21 November 2025).
Randwick City Council and Eastern Beaches Police Area Command organised the walk from High Cross Park, Randwick to Grant Reserve, Coogee.
The walk was a chance for hundreds of school students and members of the community to come together, stand up and say no to domestic violence.
Commissioner Lanyon also launched NSW Police's 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign, which is held in partnership with Rotary South Pacific, to increase awareness, promote advocacy efforts, and share knowledge and innovations to end violence against women and girls.
The global campaign is held from Tuesday 25 November 2025 – which is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – until Wednesday 10 December 2025, which is Human Rights Day. The campaign was first launched in 1991 and has since become a United Nations-led movement.
This year NSW Police's campaign focuses on every young person feeling safe from domestic and family violence.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said police were doing everything they could to address domestic and family violence.
"Last year, police responded to more than 150,000 domestic and family violence-related calls for assistance – that's one every three and a half minutes," Minister Catley said.
"Today's march is a powerful reminder that no one should suffer in silence and that the community stands with victim-survivors.
"Police are doing outstanding work, but we cannot arrest our way out of this. Prevention, early intervention and cultural change are essential.
"If you see something, hear something or suspect something, please speak up. You could save a life."
Commissioner Lanyon said he was encouraged to see so many high school students participating in the walk.
"Domestic and family violence in our community is unacceptable and we know young people experience or witness abuse in their households," Commissioner Lanyon said.
"It can be hard for any victim, including young people, to speak up if they're experiencing domestic and family violence.
"Direct or indirect exposure to violence can have serious and long-term impacts on young people's development and wellbeing.
"Everyone should feel safe. Everyone in the community needs to stand up and speak out, with all of society needing to work together to stop domestic violence."
Commissioner Lanyon has encouraged people to get involved in campaign events, which are held in partnership with police area commands and districts, Rotary, schools, community groups and local councils throughout the state. These events include walks, vigils, barbeques and fundraising for support services.
Information about the NSW Police Force response to domestic and family violence, can be found online: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/crime/domestic_and_family_violence.
Victims of domestic and family violence can find information about support services by contacting 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visiting: https://www.1800respect.org.au.
Reports of domestic and family-related crime or abuse can be made by contacting or attending your local police station. In an emergency, contact Triple Zero (000).
Anyone with information relating to domestic and family-related violence is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
