Office of Communities Tackling Violence

Program Description Tackling Violence is a domestic violence education and prevention program funded by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments The program is managed by the Office of Communities, within the Department of Education and Communities and is sponsored by the Minister for Sport and Recreation, the Hon Graham Annesley MP The program uses men and boys love of rugby league to encourage them to be leaders and role models in the campaign against domestic violence in their communities

Aboriginal Leadership Tackling Violence is a mainstream program that is led by Aboriginal people Tackling Violence Ambassadors provide education and leadership to players and communities Mudgin–Gal Aboriginal Women’s Corporation provides the education curriculum which is co-delivered with former rugby league stars

Program History The program began in 2009 with 6 regional rugby league clubs in 5 communities In 2013 it has grown to 27 clubs in 23 communities in regional NSW

Participation Criteria Clubs are chosen using the following criteria: Significant Aboriginal Population High Rates of domestic violence Respected Rugby League Club registered in a CRL competition Community Capacity, Local Leadership

Engagement $3000 in sponsorship is provided to clubs who must: sign a code of conduct that penalises players for any domestic violence offences wear the Tackling Violence logo on their playing jerseys and display at their home ground

Workshop Each club must attend a domestic violence education workshop that tells players: What domestic violence is Who it effects The effects on women and children What the law says and what the penalties are What a domestic violence relationship looks like What you can do to help someone in a domestic violence situation

School Program A healthy teen relationships program is delivered in participating high schools to year 9 and 10 students

Media Campaign Community Service Announcements featuring participating clubs are broadcast on regional television during NRL broadcasts, posted on club facebook pages and on NRL, Government and other websites Posters featuring the local club and a strong anti domestic violence message are distributed to clubs, schools, local business and women’s and community groups

Tackling Violence is well targeted 19 of the top 20 LGAs for domestic assault are in regional NSW Tackling Violence has 15 clubs in the 9 of these LGAs Tackling Violence has 5 clubs in the top 3 LGAs who have a domestic assault rate between 3 and 10 times the state average The broadcasting campaign reaches all of the regional LGAs in the top 19

Code of Conduct In 2010, approximately 650 men signed the code of conduct, with eight breaches from 5 clubs, only 1.5% of all players In 2011, approximately 750 men signed the code of conduct with eight breaches from 4 clubs, only 1% of all players In 2012, approximately 900 men signed the code of conduct with 8 breaches of the code from 6 clubs, only 0.6% of all players

men signed the code of conduct 947 participated in a workshop 777 students from 21 school participated in the schools program At 4/8/13, 14 players have been deemed in breach of the code of conduct and stood down Of the 14 players, only four were Police matters. The other 10 recorded breaches were player, club or community reported, at the lower end of the domestic violence offence spectrum, and unlikely to result in charges

2013 continued At season’s end, no players have been stood down in Bourke and Walgett, where the code of conduct has been monitored by the Police Bourke and Walgett are first and second respectively for domestic violence offences in NSW With finals season approaching Moree has had no reported breaches of the code – Moree is third in NSW for domestic violence offences

Community Response Womens Tackling Violence Dinner in Wilcannia and Lismore Domestic Violence Round in Wagga, Newcastle, Tingha Tackling Violence men and boys camp in Bourke Tackling Violence Knockout in Moree White Ribbon Day events across regional communities

Evaluation Tackling Violence was evaluated in 2011 by Eva Cox and Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, UTS. The evaluation found: Evidence the program had increased levels of discussion and was changing the perception of what was acceptable behaviour General positive acceptance of the program and the absence of any serious criticism, from clubs, communities, women’s organisations The evaluation recommended the program be expanded and continued with club sponsorship capped at 5 years to cement the anti domestic violence culture at the club