Thousands of people gathered this morning as the annual Step Out Speak Out walk got underway, signalling the start of the global 16 Days of Activism to prevent violence against women. Participants included community leaders, students, frontline workers, sporting organisations and the NSW Police Force, all coming together to raise awareness of domestic and family violence and urge change across New South Wales.
The march began at High Cross Park in Randwick and concluded at Grant Reserve, Coogee, where service-leaders and police addressed the crowd. This year’s focus was on cultural shift, early intervention and bolstered support for victim-survivors.
The walk arrives amid intensified enforcement by NSW Police under Operation Amarok XII, targeting high-risk domestic violence offenders across the state. The latest phase resulted in over 750 people being charged, more than 1,600 offences detected, 275 warrants executed and the seizure of firearms, prohibited weapons and dangerous drugs.
The NSW Government has also passed reform measures this year aimed at strengthening protections for victim-survivors, enhancing accountability for offenders and expanding crisis and prevention services. Among them are a civil protection scheme for high-risk offenders, stronger rental protections for victim-survivors including safe lock changes and penalty-free lease termination, a first-in-Australia standard non-parole period of 25 years for intimate partner homicide, expanded victim-support services and tougher bail laws for serious domestic violence offences.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley noted that last year police responded to more than 150,000 domestic and family violence-related calls for assistance—roughly one every three and a half minutes. She described the march as a powerful reminder that victim-survivors are not alone and that the entire community needs to stand together. She added that while police are doing outstanding work, arrests alone will not end the problem; prevention, early intervention and cultural change are essential.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison emphasised that the issue affects every community. She highlighted the government’s focus on wrap-around supports for victim-survivors and stronger protections for earlier intervention. She said this year’s march demonstrated how collective effort can help change attitudes, behaviours and forge a safer future for women and children.
Coogee’s local member Dr Marjorie O’Neill commented on the strong turnout in the Eastern Suburbs, noting that the presence of young people, local organisations and residents marching together reflects the community’s commitment to backing victim-survivors. She reminded anyone experiencing violence that support is available.
NSW Police Force Commissioner Mal Lanyon reaffirmed that domestic and family violence is unacceptable, stressing that victims may find it hard to speak out and underscoring the need for everyone to stand up and work together.
While today’s march and the recent reforms reflect meaningful movement, experts note that long-term change will depend on how well interventions, support services and cultural shifts hold up over time.
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