Sutherland Shire Walk For Respectful Relationships

The 2024 Walk for Respectful Relationships will be held on Friday 29th November 2024. Put the date in your diary, and we look forward to you joining us again.

Marshalling for the walk will occur at 9:45am at Don Lucas Reserve ahead of the walk commencement at 10:00am. At the conclusion of the walk there will be a Community Presentation commencing at South Cronulla Park, which is expected commence at 10:45am and conclude at 12:00pm.

The theme again will be “Call out, Speak out, Help out”

Participating in the walk is a great opportunity for you to show your support and raise awareness of Domestic & Family Violence within your own community, by getting together with your family, friends, or colleagues to go out for a walk - at any time during the day - and talk about what you can do to create a safer community for women and children. While you're out on your walk, snap a photo, post it on your socials using the hashtag #EveryStepCounts and #StandUpSpeakOut or email them to us to join our Online Gallery.

Did you know that 1 Australian woman dies every 9 days at the hands of her current or former partner. Every death, every abusive act, is one too many. Join us to Stand Up, Speak Out, and reject violence in our community.

What do we mean when we say let’s Call Out, Speak Out or Help Out?

Let’s Call Out, behaviours and conversations that are disrespectful. Despite intentions, the resulting disrespect is not acceptable and needs to be challenged. Your individual voice can make a difference.

Let’s Speak Out to your family, peers, friends and teachers when needed. If you see, hear or feel disrespected you need to speak up and seek support. People will listen and respect you for having the courage to speak up.

Let’s Help Out, if someone you know asks you for help, ensure you believe them, support them in seeking service help - that could include 1800 Respect and for all emergencies call 000.

We would like to say a special thank you to our wonderful event sponsors and supporters for 2023:

Here is a video from the 2020 Walk...

Thank You.... Now What?

THANK YOU

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2023 Walk for Respectful Relationships. The Committee was thrilled with the engagement, particularly from local primary and high schools. We're thrilled to report that over 3,000 people participated this year.

... BUT WHAT NOW?

But now the question is.. what happens next?

Respect, Respectful Relationships isn't a conversation that can only happen once a year.

We need to KEEP TALKING... but also LEARN MORE about what each and every person can do to make the Community safer for all.

Domestic Violence is sadly, a very real issue for many people in the Sutherland Shire. If YOU are one of many affected, it's important to know what resources are available to you. Now.

Do You Need Support?

If you are in danger, call 000 now.

Local Police have specialist domestic violence trained officers who can not only helo diffuse an immediate situation, but put you in touch with local support services to help you

1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491

There are a host of support options and resources available within the Sutherland Shire. Here are a few:

For Young People (Under 18) and Schools

Your school counsellor, teacher, year advisor, welfare officer
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
1800Respect - https://www.1800respect.org.au/
Headspace: https://headspace.org.au/
Enough is Enough - Counselling unit: 9542 4029
EDYS: https://www.ssfs.org.au/engadine-district-youth-service or 9548 2734

For Adults or Businesses (for their staff)

1800 Respect: 1800 737 732 - over the phone counselling and support
Men’s Line: 1300 789 978 - over the phone counselling and support
Sutherland Shire Family Services: 9528 2933 - or www.ssfs.org.au
Enough is Enough - counselling unit - 9542 4029
Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Lifeline - 13 11 14
More resources: https://www.ourwatch.org.au/filter-tools-and-resources/

If your school or workplace wants to do more about Respectful Relationship Education - there are several options

There are a number of school based support, awareness and prevention programs available to support your school:

Love Bites - school based domestic and family violence, sexual assault and consent awareness education program – https://www.ssfs.org.au/love-bites - to arrange having the FREE Love Bites program at your school, call 9548 2734
Rounded- respectful relationships education program - https://www.enoughisenough.org.au/what-we-do/
Breaking the Silence – supports schools to bring about a commitment to stop violence against women -https://www.whiteribbon.org.au/Workplaces-and-Schools/Register-School

There are many programs available for workplaces, schools or just the general community who want to be more educated on this topic.

Toolbox Talks - Workplace & Community Programs https://www.toolboxtalks.org.au/
Enough is Enough Workplace Programs - www.enoughisenough.org.au

If you have any questions, or want more information, please email us at [email protected]

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Send Us Photos of This Year's Walk

As this year's walk is a little bit different, we'd love to see how you've done the walk. Whether you're walking with friends, colleagues or as part of a school group, being part of this walk is an important way to show your support and promote respectful relationships
Learn How You Can Get Involved In This Year's Walk

There are lots of ways you, your school or workplace can get involved with the 2021 Virtual Walk for Respectful Relationships. While Covid-19 has changed a lot for us this year, domestic violence has continued to be a significant issue in our community, and we're committed to continuing to raise awareness and ensure people in the Sutherland Shire know support is available. Learn more here.
Photo Gallery from 2020 Walk For Respectful Relationships

Don't forget to send us your photos from the 2020 Walk for Respectful Relationships to join us Online Gallery
Photos from Last Year's Walk

After a hugely successful walk in 2019, the Organising Committee are hoping that the 2020 Virtual Walk will be just as successful. Reminisce here as we look back at our walk last year
Link to Friday's 10am LiveStream of Guest Speakers

Click Here to access the 10am LiveStream for the Walk for Respectful Relationships Guest Speakers.

Group Programs Schedule

Each term, we publish a calendar of events for programs we offer. This includes our Parenting Support Programs, Early Childhood and Educational Support Programs and Domestic Violence Support Programs.
About Us

We exist because all children and families should have a safe home, strong connections and opportunities to thrive in life.
How to Refer

Help is easy to access. You can be referred by a health professional or another agency, or self-refer. Just call us on (02) 9528 2933 and tell us what you need help with.
Family Caseworker Program

Family Workers provide assistance to families who, for a variety of reasons, would benefit from additional support.
Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to help us! We're a lean and specialised team, and while we don't allow volunteers in client facing capacities, we are very grateful to have volunteers who can assist with admin, marketing and events. If you're interested, we'd love to hear from you!
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