Community Engagement

In addition to our vital support for women and children, Southern Women’s Group has a strong focus on community connections and the prevention of domestic and family violence (DFV).

We aim to address not only the immediate needs of those affected by violence but also to focus on preventative measures and the underlying causes of abuse.

Our efforts extend beyond just intervention; we are committed to creating a future where violence is not tolerated, and where every individual has the right to live in peace, safety, and dignity.

Our Watch defines the underlying cause of domestic and family violence as the

condoning of violence against women
men’s control of decision-making and limits to women’s independence in public and private life
Male peer relations and cultures of masculinity that emphasise aggression, dominance, and control
Rigid gender stereotyping and dominant forms of masculinity

for more information https://www.ourwatch.org.au/link-between-gender-inequality-and-violence

At SWG, we focus on a holistic approach that encompasses awareness, advocacy, and prevention. Our work is grounded in education, relationship-building, and a commitment to tackling the root causes of violence.

Raising Awareness & Advocacy

Building Strong Relationships with Key Stakeholders

Workshops & Education

Primary Prevention of Domestic Violence

Safe & Together™

The Safe & Together™ Model is an internationally recognised framework for strengthening responses to families impacted by domestic and family violence perpetrator behaviour.

Southern Women’s Group is embedding the Model across our programs, in our region. This work reflects our commitment to child-centered, perpetrator-pattern focused practice and to improving how systems respond to risk.

As a Partner Agency of the Safe & Together Institute, we are building internal capability while contributing to stronger, more consistent domestic and family violence practice across the South Coast.

Our certified Safe & Together™ trainer delivers the Core Training and the One Day Overview to community service professionals across the far south coast. Training is offered on a fee-for-service basis.

To discuss training or implementation support, contact safeandtogether@swg.org.au

The Safe & Together™ Model was developed by David Mandel in the United States. The model helps child welfare systems to become better partners to adult survivors and their children, and to intervene more effectively with perpetrators. The growing body of data on the model shows that it helps keep children safely with their protective parent and changes the way practitioners work with the entire family.

More information about the Safe and Together™ Model can be found at the following link The Safe & Together Model — Safe & Together Institute

Some of our community projects

South Coast Love Bites

South Coast Love Bites is a vital program that educates students across the South Coast , from Nowra to Eden, about respectful relationships, consent, and the prevention of domestic and family violence. The program is delivered across three Local Government: Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, and Shoalhaven, impacting around 3000 students a year. Through workshops, Love Bites increases awareness of what constitutes healthy versus unhealthy relationships, strengthens communication skills in romantic and familial relationships, and helps young people recognise signs of unhealthy behaviours. The program is currently funded to assist Year 10 students, with plans to expand into junior years (7, 8, and 9) through new funding. This expansion will include more high schools and provide additional staff training to ensure a more consistent delivery of the program.

Sponsored by Actew AGL, the IMB Foundation, and Club Grants, South Coast Love Bites is also focused on upskilling frontline workers by raising funds to provide local training to community organisations, ensuring a broader reach and long-term impact in preventing domestic violence.

Students participating in the LoveBites program are not only engaged in learning about respectful relationships and domestic violence prevention, but they also take an active role in the creation of advocacy and awareness materials used throughout the South Coast. By contributing to the development of posters, videos, and social media content, these students help amplify important messages about healthy relationships, consent, and respect.

For more inofmation on Love bites chek out napacan website
https://www.napcan.org.au/programs/love-bites/

Daughters and Dads: Active and Empowered

Daughters and Dads: Active and Empowered is proudly sponsored by ActewAGL and Club Grants, and will be launching in Batemans Bay in early 2026. Developed by Professor Phillip Morgan from Newcastle University, this award-winning program recipient of the 2025 Engagement Australia Excellence Award for ‘Research Impact’, is designed to challenge traditional gender stereotypes while empowering young women and strengthening the relationships between fathers and daughters.

By focusing on building mutual respect, understanding, and open communication, the program aims to break down harmful gender norms and foster healthier, more balanced family dynamics. It aligns with our primary prevention strategy, which addresses the root causes of gender inequality and domestic violence. This initiative not only educates the community about the importance of gender equality but also equips families with the tools to support one another in creating lasting, positive change.

With Professor Morgan’s expertise, the program offers a unique approach to engaging fathers as allies in the empowerment of young women, making it a key part of our broader effort to prevent violence and build a more equitable society.

For more information : https://www.daughtersanddads.com.au/

Education and Support to DFV frontline workers

Southern Women’s Group is proud to offer workshops to community members, including hairdressers, real estate agents, teachers, aged care workers, and business owners, equipping them with the skills to recognise the signs of domestic and family violence and how to respond appropriately. Our mission is to support various organisations and frontline workers by advocating for training to be brought to our local area and securing funding opportunities to ensure these vital resources are accessible to our rural communities, who often miss out due to the high costs of travel.

Some of the training programs we’ve successfully brought to the region include ACON Inclusive practice in LGBTIQ+ Communities, Love Bites Healthy Relationships for Young People, Practical Skills in Responding to Domestic and Family Violence, and Safe and Together. These programs are designed to equip local professionals and community members with the tools they need to better support victims, intervene in safe ways, and contribute to long-term community well-being.

Community awareness campaigns and Key stakeholders

Southern Women’s Group is proud to be involved in a wide range of community awareness campaigns, including the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in collaboration with NSW Police, Rotary Clubs, and DV Committees. Our efforts also extend to events like the Youth Against DV Colour Run, DV Awareness Cup with NSW Police, Thrive Fair, Seniors Week, Child Protection Week, NAIDOC Week, Mental Health Awareness, Ask for Angela, East Nowra Neighbourhood Party, Survival Day, Harmony Day, Women’s Health Week, and many more. These initiatives bring together community groups, local businesses, and organisations to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and drive action on domestic and family violence prevention, gender equality, mental health, and overall community well-being. Through these partnerships with key stakeholders, we continue to build a stronger, more informed, and united community.

Workshops

Southern Women’s Group, in collaboration with local Women’s Resource Centers, offers a range of empowering workshops designed to support women in all aspects of their lives. These workshops focus on personal development, wellness, and practical skills, addressing issues such as financial literacy, career development, mental health, and domestic violence prevention. By providing a safe and supportive environment, these workshops aim to uplift women, enhance their confidence, and equip them with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in both their personal and professional lives. Through these programs, Southern Women’s Group and the Women’s Resource Centers foster a sense of community, offering valuable resources that help women navigate challenges, build resilience, and empower them to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.

We rely heavily on the generosity of our donors and sponsors to support our community engagement and primary prevention efforts. Thanks to various grants and sponsorships, we’ve been able to make the following programs a success.