Nepean Domestic Violence Network Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Expo working group.
KIM Scanlon of Gateway Family Services is a member of the Nepean Domestic Violence Network and the working group of that Network that organised last week’s Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV) Service Expo at St Marys Memorial Hall.
Speaking as the event MC, Kim said “This is the third year that we are running this Expo, as the events held over the past two years went very well and lots of connections and referral pathways were successfully developed.
“It is important to also acknowledge all victims of domestic, family and sexual violence both disclosed and undisclosed who may be in this room today. Statistically, we know that many of us will be in this room right now and I would like to acknowledge your strength and journey.
“I would like to give a special acknowledgement to our small but dedicated DFSV Expo Working Group, and to the organisations that we work at, for supporting and allowing us the considerable time it took to contribute to the group: Erin – Penrith City Council, Peggy and Grace – Baptist Care, Bella – Penrith Women’s Health Centre, Rose – WDVCAS, Andrew – WestCare and my own organisation – Gateway Family Services. A big thank you as well to Penrith Council for being the backbone of our NDVN Network, organising meetings, minutes, planning days and tasks.
“The concept of this Expo was born from a single member of our Nepean Domestic Violence Network, as an identified need within the sector to bring us together and increase capacity and referral pathways.
“For those who are not familiar with the Network, The Nepean Domestic Violence Network (NDVN) is a collaboration of professional workers, from government and non-government organisations, that provide services and support to people impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence in the Nepean region. Our network is committed to a coordinated and
unified approach in addressing this violence and raises awareness and educates about the impacts of abusive behaviours. We also identify, prioritise and respond to emerging trends and actively advocate to all levels of government for policy change and resources.
“Eight million Australians have experienced domestic and family violence since the age of 15. In 2024, in the Penrith area, BOSCAR figures state there were 1,899 reported cases of DSFV and we know there are many more unreported cases. This event today provides a valuable opportunity for participants to network with and navigate through available services and programs, addressing the diverse needs of client groups.”
Andrew Paech (WestCare) said “Forty organisations hosted interactive tables, creating a vibrant hub of information, resource sharing, and professional connection. The groups included specialist DFSV Services, Police, Housing and Tenancy providers, legal assistance, financial counselling, health/mental health, youth, disability, culturally diverse and First Nations community programs – all focused to engage with a broad mix of local non-DFSV services keen to learn how to deal with DFSV-affected clients, and vice-versa.
“We are so very thankful to every organisation that hosted a table and participated. The true value of bringing specialist DFSV services into the same room with mainstream community providers goes far beyond collecting flyers. This is direct, face-to-face relationship building, increasing practical capacity across services to help ensure a safer, more responsive community for vulnerable people throughout our region.”
