Thousands of people marched from Randwick to Coogee this morning as part of the annual Step Out Speak Out walk, marking the beginning of the global 16 Days of Activism to prevent and eliminate violence against women.
Community leaders, students, frontline workers, services, sporting organisations and NSW Police, came together to raise awareness of domestic and family violence and call for change across the state.
The group gathered at High Cross Park before walking to Grant Reserve in Coogee, where community representatives, service leaders and NSW Police addressed the crowd.
This year's event focused on driving cultural change, promoting early intervention and reinforcing support for victim-survivors.
The march comes as NSW Police continue statewide efforts to target high-risk domestic violence offenders through Operation Amarok XII. The most recent blitz resulted in more than 750 people charged, over 1,600 offences detected, 275 warrants executed, and the seizure of firearms, prohibited weapons and dangerous drugs.
While we have more work to do the Minns Labor Government has delivered significant reforms this year to strengthen protections for victim-survivors, improve accountability for offenders and expand early intervention and crisis responses. These include:
- A new civil protection scheme targeting high-risk domestic abuse offenders.
- Stronger rental protections for victim-survivors, including safe lock changes, privacy safeguards and penalty-free lease termination.
- A standard non-parole period of 25 years for intimate partner homicide, the first law of its kind in Australia.
- Expanded DFV support services, including crisis accommodation, specialist workers and culturally safe programs.
- Strengthened bail laws for serious domestic violence offences and expanded electronic monitoring for high-risk offenders.
These reforms complement ongoing policing efforts, prevention strategies, and community-led initiatives focused on reducing harm and supporting those experiencing violence.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said:
"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.
"Today's march was a powerful reminder that no one should suffer in silence and that the community stands with victim-survivors.
"Operation Amarok XII shows the relentless work of our police when it comes to pursuing the state's worst domestic violence offenders. It sends a strong message that those who harm partners or former partners will be tracked down and held to account.
"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."
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jodie Harrison said:
"Domestic violence is a challenge that touches every community and the government is working hard to address it, from providing wraparound supports for victim-survivors and strengthening protections to earlier intervention and primary prevention.
"Every year the Step Out Speak Out event draws thousands from the community, to walk alongside victim-survivors towards a future that is free from domestic and family violence.
"Today's march shows how we can work together as a community, to stop the violence before it starts. Together we can change attitudes and behaviours that tolerate violence, and create a safer state for women and children."
Member for Coogee, Dr Marjorie O'Neill said:
"The Eastern Suburbs turned out in strength today to say domestic and family violence has no place in our community.
"Seeing so many young people, local organisations and residents marching together shows how committed our community is to standing with victim-survivors.
"If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, please reach out. You are not alone and support is here."
NSW Police Force Commissioner, Mal Lanyon said:
"Domestic and family violence in our community is unacceptable.
"It can be hard for victims to speak up if they're experiencing domestic and family violence.
"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."
