Domestic & family violence

Everyone has the right to feel safe. Domestic and family violence is not tolerated in our community.

If you or someone you know requires support, help is available.

Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month

May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in Queensland. This annual initiative raises awareness of domestic and family violence (DFV) including coercive control, highlights support services available and shares the message that violence in our communities will not be tolerated.

This year’s theme: Together Queenslanders can prevent domestic and family violence.

Whether you’re a member of a community or sports club, a small business owner, or an everyday Gold Coaster, there are things that we can do to support the prevention of DFV in our communities.

How to get involved

Bystander training for community and sporting groups

Learn more about supporting a culture of gender equality, inclusion and respect, and the role of a bystander in preventing domestic and family violence.

Book Now

• For more information, community events and free resources to share with your family, friends, workplaces and community groups, visit the Queensland Government’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month webpage.
• To check out other events held on the Gold Coast, visit the Queensland Government's Community events calendar.
• Support resources are available at our community centres, libraries and some sporting and aquatic centres.

• Take a picture in front of purple lights throughout the city (see below).

Lighting the city purple

We will be lighting up our public places purple to represent DFV awareness and partnering with external organisations to do the same.

Look out for lights in the following locations:

• Surfers Paradise: Isle of Capri bridge, Surfers Paradise sign and decorative garden lighting on the Surfers Paradise foreshore
• Broadbeach the Broadbeach sign, as well as decorative lighting in Victoria Park
• Gold Coast Sports Precinct, Carrara
• SkyPoint
• Sea World, Atlantis Precinct
• Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
• Dreamworld, The Giant Drop
• Australia Fair Shopping Centre, Australia Fair sign.

Seek support

In the event of an emergency call Triple Zero (000).

If you need translation support, please call the Australian Government's TIS National service on 131 450. This helpline is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.

To learn more about domestic and family violence, how to recognise harmful behaviours and how to stay safe, including safety planning and applying for a domestic and family violence order, visit:

• What you need to know about domestic and family violence in Queensland
• The Purple Book

Local services

Domestic Violence Prevention Centre Gold Coast Inc. – 07 5591 4222

• Counselling, support, programs, information and referral for those experiencing or using domestic and family violence on the Gold Coast.

Support Assessment Referral Advocacy (SARA program) – 0405 065 544

• Supports women and their children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds affected by domestic and family violence.

Other services

DVConnect Womensline – 1800 811 811

• 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Support for women, their children and pets experiencing domestic and family violence, including emergency transport, accommodation, crisis counselling and safety planning.

DVConnect Mensline – 1800 600 636

• Counselling, referral and support services for men experiencing or using domestic and family violence.

1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732

• Also available via text 0458 737 732, chat online or video call
• 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Support for people, friends and family experiencing or at risk of experiencing sexual assault or domestic or family violence.
• Support is also available for professionals supporting someone experiencing or at risk of experiencing sexual assault, domestic or family violence.

For additional support and other services, please visit our Safety information and support contacts page.

Our program

The Queensland Government’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy guides our work. We work collaboratively with government agencies, community groups, local businesses and the community to facilitate and empower cultural change that will lead to safer homes, neighbourhoods and communities.

We recognise that we can play a key role in the prevention and reduction of domestic and family violence in our city through community education and awareness raising, strong community and stakeholder partnerships and by supporting impacted staff and residents to seek assistance.

We deliver actions for domestic and family violence awareness and prevention under the 2028 Community Safety Program. This program provides a strategic framework for the delivery of our community safety initiatives and guides our planning, programs and priorities. Program priorities have been incorporated under three key focus areas:

• creating safe spaces
• enhancing perceptions of safety
• supporting the reduction of domestic and family violence.

Our Safety and security page includes tips and information about how to keep safe and secure.

Community awareness and education initiatives

Each year, the City supports community awareness and education initiatives including the State Government’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month held each May, and the United Nations 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence held annually between 25 November to 10 December.

During these initiatives, our community unites to engage in inspiring conversations, participate in training sessions and strengthen partnerships to drive lasting change.

Funding opportunities

Explore our funding programs for opportunities. For State government funding opportunities, visit the Queensland Government website.

If you would like to contact us in relation to our work on domestic and family violence prevention, please email communitysafety@goldcoast.qld.gov.au.