Outer West Domestic Violence Network (OWDVN)

Our Vision

The Outer West Domestic Violence Network (OWDVN) is a collaborative interagency group working across the Blacktown Local Government Area (LGA), including the Blacktown, Mt Druitt, and Quakers Hill Police Local Area Commands.

We are united by a shared commitment to promoting safety, dignity, and respect for all women and children affected by domestic and family violence.

Grounded in a human rights framework, we advocate for systemic change and community action that upholds every woman and child's right to live free from violence.

What We Aim to Do

• Create a coordinated and timely community response to domestic and family violence across the Blacktown LGA

• Increase safety and support for women and children through education, prevention, partnerships and local action

• Build knowledge, skills and resources that meet the real needs of women and children affected by violence

• Advocate and engage with policy makers and systems to improve outcomes and increase accountability

• Keep the prevention of violence against women on the public agenda

What We Do

• Share knowledge about the real impact and complexity of domestic and family violence

• Develop and deliver local initiatives and awareness events across the Blacktown area

• Create and share helpful tools, including the Crisis Referral Cards and the OWDVN Services Directory

• Support information sharing, collaboration, and participation between local services

• Provide professional development opportunities for workers across the sector

• Offer peer support and networking, fostering strong relationships that support integrated service delivery

Our Network Meetings

Our meetings are open to all services and organisations in the Blacktown LGA who support individuals and families impacted by domestic and family violence.

• 🗓 Held on the third Thursday of every month (excluding December and January)

• 🕑 From 2:00pm to 4:00pm

• 📍 Meetings are offered face-to-face and via Microsoft Teams

• 📧 To get involved, contact us at [email protected] or call (02) 9677 1962

💬 The role of minute taker is shared on a rotating basis by members.

Information for Students

Students on placement with OWDVN member organisations are welcome to attend meetings in an observer-only capacity. They must always be accompanied by a supervising staff member and are not permitted to attend as representatives of an organisation.

Events & Community Action

During the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the OWDVN runs and supports awareness events and local campaigns.

We also honour the lives of those lost to violence. At the request of families, we can help organise vigils to remember and reflect.

Projects

• OWDVN Domestic Violence Services Directory 

• 16 Days of Activism

Know the Signs of Domestic Violence

Domestic and family violence can take many forms. It isn’t always physical — it can also be emotional, psychological, financial, sexual, spiritual, social, or involve coercive control. Recognising the signs is the first step towards safety and support.

Some signs to look out for include:

• Control and Isolation
  Your partner or family member controls where you go, who you see, what you do, or limits your access to support — often cutting you off from family and friends.

• Emotional Abuse
  Constant criticism, insults, humiliation, gaslighting, or any behaviour that chips away at your confidence and sense of self-worth.

• Financial Abuse
  Controlling your money, denying access to bank accounts, preventing you from working, or making you justify every expense.

• Physical Violence
  Any physical harm including hitting, slapping, pushing, choking, or restraining.

• Sexual Abuse
  Being forced or pressured into sexual acts without your consent, including within a relationship.

• Threats and Intimidation
  Threatening to harm you, your children, pets, property — or themselves — as a way to control or manipulate you.

• Stalking and Monitoring
  Constantly checking your phone, emails, social media, or tracking your movements, often without your knowledge or permission.

• Technology-Facilitated Abuse
  Using phones, apps, GPS, or social media to control, intimidate, stalk or harass you — such as sharing private images or impersonating you online.

• Systems Abuse
  Misusing institutions or legal systems to exert control — such as making false reports, dragging out family court matters, or manipulating immigration processes.

• Spiritual Abuse
  Using your spiritual or religious beliefs to control, shame, or isolate you — or stopping you from practising your faith freely.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. You are not alone, and help is available.

Need support?
Call us at the WASH House on (02) 9677 1962, or contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or DV Line (1800 65 64 63) for 24/7 confidential help.

💛 What is Domestic and Family Violence?

Domestic and family violence (DFV) is a pattern of behavior used to control, intimidate, and harm a partner or family member. It can happen to anyone — regardless of age, culture, sexuality, or background.

DFV isn’t always physical. It can include:

• Emotional or psychological abuse

• Financial abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Social or spiritual abuse

• Coercive control (controlling your daily life, freedom, or choices)

🚩 Red Flags in a Relationship

Some warning signs that your relationship may be abusive:

• You feel scared or anxious around your partner

• Your partner puts you down or humiliates you

• You’re isolated from friends and family

• You have no control over money or major decisions

• You feel like you’re always "walking on eggshells"

• You’re blamed for everything that goes wrong

🛡️ Safety Planning Tips

Thinking about leaving or worried about your safety? Here are some steps you can take:

• Keep important documents and spare keys in a safe place

• Pack an emergency bag (medications, clothes, copies of ID)

• Plan where you can go and who you can call

• Set up a safe word with trusted friends or family

• Teach children what to do in an emergency

💬 Myths and Facts

Myth: Domestic violence only happens in "bad" families.
Fact: It can happen to anyone, regardless of background or community.

Myth: If it was really bad, the person would just leave.
Fact: Leaving can be the most dangerous time; many barriers make it hard to leave safely.

Myth: Only physical violence counts.
Fact: Emotional, financial, and psychological abuse are all serious and harmful.

🌻 How to Support Someone You Care About

If someone you know is experiencing abuse:

• Listen without judging or pushing

• Believe them and reassure them it’s not their fault

• Avoid telling them what to do — support their choices

• Help them connect to professional services

• Check in regularly

Information for Specific Groups

Domestic and family violence can affect anyone, but different groups may face extra barriers.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities — You may feel additional pressure to keep family issues private. You deserve to be safe and supported.

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities — Language, visa status, and cultural expectations can make it harder to seek help. Support is available, and you have rights in Australia.

LGBTQ+ communities — Abuse can happen in same-sex and diverse-gender relationships. Everyone deserves respect and safety.

Women with disability — Abuse can include withholding aids, controlling medication, or threatening to withdraw care.

🖼️ Survivor Stories and Voices

Reading or hearing from others can help you feel less alone.

🟣"When I reached out, I finally felt believed and supported. I now feel safer and stronger every day."

🟣 "I left with nothing but found everything safety, support, and a new beginning."

🟣 "The moment I was believed was the moment I began to heal."

🟣 "I didn’t think I was strong enough to leave… until I did."

🟣 "Support helped me feel human again."

🟣 "For the first time in years, my children and I sleep peacefully."

🟣 "Leaving wasn’t easy — but staying was slowly destroying me."

🟣 "I found my strength in the quiet moments when I thought I had none."

🟣 "I used to feel invisible. Now, I feel seen, heard, and safe."

🟣 "I broke the cycle — for me and for my kids."

🟣 "What I thought was love was control. Now I know the difference."

📞 Where to Get Help

WASH House — (02) 9677 1962
1800RESPECT — 1800 737 732 (24/7 national helpline)
DV Line (NSW) — 1800 65 64 63
Emergency — 000

🧩 Resources and Downloads

• Safety planning | Communities and Justice

• General_DV_Information_Sheet_.pdf

• Temporary and emergency housing | NSW Government

• Immediate Needs Support Package

• Leaving Violence Program | Department of Social Services

• Family and domestic violence financial assistance | Australian Red Cross

• Domestic Violence Legal Service - Women's Legal Service NSW