Domestic & family violence

We want our city to be safe for everyone. Violence is not tolerated in our community.

The City supports organisations, campaigns and community groups working to prevent and reduce domestic and family violence on the Gold Coast through:

• community education,
• raising awareness, and
• community partnerships.

As one of the largest local employers, the City also has a unique opportunity to help achieve the above goals within its organisation.

Finding support

If you or someone you know requires support, confidential support and assistance is available.

In the event of an emergency please call Triple Zero (000).

Twenty-four hour helplines:

• DV Connect Womensline - 1800 811 811
  Telephone hotline for women, their children and pets experiencing domestic and family violence. Womensline offers emergency transport and accommodation as well as crisis counselling and interventions.
• DV Connect Mensline - 1800 600 636. Only available 9am to midnight, 7 days a week.
  Telephone counselling, referral and support services for men experiencing or using domestic and family violence.
• 1800RESPECT - 1800 737 732
  Provides support for people, friends and family experiencing or at risk of experiencing sexual assault, domestic or family violence. Support is also available for professionals supporting someone experiencing or at risk of experiencing sexual assault, domestic or family violence.
• Kids Helpline - 1800 551 800
  Phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
• Lifeline - 13 11 14
  National charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to crisis support and suicide prevention services.
• Policelink - 13 11 44
  Policelink can assist in making a non-urgent report or answer general police enquiries.

Local services:

• Domestic Violence Prevention Centre Gold Coast Inc. (DVPC) - phone 07 5591 4222 or 07 5532 9000
  The DVPC provides a wide range of programs to support women and their children affected by domestic and family violence and also work with men who perpetrate domestic and family violence. DVPC publish 'The Purple Book' to help people recognise domestic and family violence and show them how to seek support.
• The Support Assessment Referral Advocacy (SARA) program - phone 0405 065 544
  The SARA Program supports women and their children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds affected by domestic and family violence.

Our Safety Information Card is also available to download with contact details for appropriate services. The Safety Information Card is also available in other languages.

Visit the Queensland Government’s online portal for further information and support available through Queensland government agencies and funded services.

Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month – May

The City of Gold Coast supports Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. This campaign is an initiative of the Queensland Government held each May and is an opportunity to work together to increase community awareness of the impacts of domestic and family violence.

It also aims to promote support available to those affected by domestic and family violence and encourages  communities and individuals to take action. Events and activities held during this month support the Queensland Government’s ‘Not Now, Not Ever’ campaign.

To find out what events will be happening in your area or to register your own event please visit the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month calendar

For more information there are a number of domestic and family violence support resources available on the Queensland Government website.

White Ribbon Day – November

White Ribbon Australia, led by Communicare, aims to change the attitudes and behaviours that support or excuse violence in the community. There are a number of initiatives run by White Ribbon Australia to raise awareness and prevent domestic and family violence. One initiative is White Ribbon Day which is held each November and supported by the City of Gold Coast.

Read more about White Ribbon Day