The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build a safer New South Wales by addressing domestic and family violence from all angles, including primary prevention – to stop the violence before it starts.
This year, the government is committing $100,000 to a new grant program for the 16 Days of Activism to support initiatives that prevent gender-based violence in our communities.
It is part of the Minns Government’s wider effort to work in partnership with local organisations on primary prevention to address the drivers of gender-based violence, to change the attitudes and cultures that tolerate or condone the use of violence against women.
The objective of the 16 Days of Activism Grant Program is to support activities with a primary prevention focus undertaken during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign period (25 November to 10 December).
Grants will be awarded for awareness-raising and initiatives that engage local communities to address the four key drivers of gendered violence identified in the NSW Government’s Pathways to Prevention strategy.
Local Domestic and Family Violence Committees and Networks will be eligible to apply for funding of between $2,500 and $5,000 per initiative.
Applicants can partner with local councils, groups, organisations, and schools to run primary prevention activities that promote gender equality and positive masculinity – and reject violence against women.
The grant program opens today and will close on 3 September. Go to https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/16-days-of-activism-2025 to apply.
The 16 Days of Activism Grant program is designed in consultation with key domestic and family violence sector stakeholders and is aligned with the NSW Government’s ‘Pathways to Prevention: NSW Strategy for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence 2024-2028’.
The government has invested $38 million to implement the strategy which includes a multi-year primary prevention grants program, the Multisport Coalition for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence and partnering with Local Government NSW to support local communities in their prevention initiatives. It is part of the government’s whole-of-community response to domestic, family, and sexual violence.
Member for Penrith Karen McKeown OAM said:
“Gender-based violence has no place in the Penrith community and preventing it before it starts must be a shared priority. These grants give our local organisations the opportunity to lead real change at the grassroots level.
“The 16 Days of Activism campaign is a powerful reminder that everyone has a role to play in ending domestic and family violence. This grant program will support practical, community-led initiatives that promote respect, equality, and safety.
“I encourage local groups, schools and networks across Penrith to get involved and apply. This is about building a future where everyone, especially women and children, can live free from violence and fear.”
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
“Primary prevention is a key part of the NSW Government’s work to address domestic and family violence, by stopping violence before it starts.
“Through this new grant program, we want to encourage local organisations and communities come up with new ideas and initiatives to disrupt the drivers of gendered violence, promote healthy relationships and take action for gender equality.
“We know that local solutions are needed to change the harmful attitudes and behaviours that can contribute to a culture that tolerates violence against women.”
Support:
If you are worried about your own behaviour and use of violence, contact the Men's Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.
