Central Coast Domestic and Family Violence Community Forum

Name: Central Coast Domestic and Family Violence Community Forum
Start: 2026-06-22T08:30:00+10:00
End: 2026-07-27T08:30:00+10:00
Location: Gosford Regional Library

About

Central Coast Domestic and Family Violence Community Forum

Day 1 – A Day of Awareness
Date: 22nd June 2026
Time: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Location: Gosford Regional Library
Hosted by: Central Coast Domestic Violence Committee

Day 1 of the Central Coast Domestic and Family Violence Community Forum focuses on building community awareness, understanding, and shared responsibility in responding to domestic and family violence (DFV).

Through education, lived experience, and community discussion, participants will explore the impacts and underlying drivers of DFV, recognise warning signs, and learn how to respond safely and compassionately.

The day will begin with an Aboriginal Water Ceremony, acknowledging healing, connection, and community wellbeing.

Key Topics
• Aboriginal Water Ceremony
• Opening presentation: “Contextualising the History of Domestic Violence – Why Are We Still Here?”
• Understanding domestic and family violence
• The impacts and drivers of DFV
• Recognising red flags and warning signs
• Safe and supportive responses
• Bystander awareness and community responsibility
• Primary prevention and creating cultural change
• Lived experience and professional insights
• Strengthening community and service connections

Why This Forum Matters
Domestic and family violence is a whole-of-community issue. Creating lasting change requires collaboration between services, businesses, organisations, and community members.
This forum aims to strengthen awareness, encourage early intervention, and support a safer, more informed, and connected Central Coast community.
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Day 2 – From Awareness to Action
Date: 27th July 2026
Time: 8:30am - 3:00pm

Day 2 of the Forum builds on the shared awareness developed during Day 1 and shifts the focus toward practical responses, prevention, and community action.

The day opens with a welcome and program overview, setting the tone for a solutions-focused and action-oriented discussion.
A key session will explore how domestic and family violence manifests within workplaces, teams, and community groups. This session highlights the broader ripple effects of DFV and the importance of early recognition, safe responses, and supportive workplace cultures.
Participants will then move into Creating a Culture of Prevention, focusing on embedding respectful relationships across organisations and communities. Discussions will include strengthening policies, protocols, and everyday practices that promote safe, respectful, and inclusive environments.

A dedicated Referral Pathways & Resources session will provide practical guidance on responding to disclosures, maintaining confidentiality, understanding mandatory reporting responsibilities, and making safe and effective warm referrals to specialist support services.
The day concludes with Action Planning & Wrap-Up, where participants will develop practical action plans, share commitments, and provide feedback to support ongoing improvement and accountability. Participants will also be introduced to a range of resources and tools, including safety kits, referral information, posters, and opportunities for continued support and collaboration.

Overall, Day 2 is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to move from awareness into meaningful prevention and response within their own organisations and communities.