NSW Police and school students are working together to try to tackle domestic violence, with the launch of the DV Awareness Cup.
The South Coast Police District, along with Group 7 Rugby League, NSW Rugby League and NRL will host approximately 150 students from Year 9 to 11 from the Shoalhaven region, in an under 16s Rugby League (men’s) and League Tag (women’s) Gala Day.
Started in 2023, the revamped DV Awareness Cup aims to bring awareness to, educate and encourage people to take a stand against domestic and family violence.
The event, which will be held at Bomaderry Sporting Fields on Tuesday 30 July 2024, will see five local high schools – Nowra high School, Vincentia High School, Shoalhaven High School, Bomaderry High School and Ulladulla High School for the first time – compete for the DV Awareness Cup.
During the day, Shoalhaven-based community organisations, along with NSW Police Domestic Violence Officers and Youth Liaison officers will be available at a number of stalls to educate and discuss with students and their families a range of issues, with an aim to break the cycle of domestic and family violence.
Acting Inspector Joel Latimer said the DV Awareness Cup is a great way to break down barriers and engage with young people, on this important issue.
“This is much more than a sporting event, it’s an opportunity for young people and their families who are in attendance to connect with Police, with community organisations and provide information and support for survivors of domestic violence,” Acting Insp. Latimer said.
“In the lead up to the gala day, police will also be attending schools participating in the event to talk about a range of issues surrounding domestic violence, in a bid to educate and raise awareness of domestic and family violence. We’ll also provide opportunities for students to reach out and connect them with services if they need help.”
Group 7 Rugby League Commercial and Operations Manager Ashton Sims said sport is a great way to engage with young people in more relaxed environment.
“We want to use rugby league as a vehicle to facilitate positive change, to facilitate education and understanding in and around some support options if people are experiencing domestic violence or know someone who may be a victim of domestic violence. So we can mitigate, minimise and eradicate domestic violence throughout our regions and communities,” Ashton said.
Past and present NRL players will be in attendance, with the community encouraged to come along, cheer on the students and access support services.
