The South Coast Police District (SCPD) Domestic Violence (DV) Awareness Cup is a community-led initiative designed to raise awareness of domestic and family violence and promote access to support services.
This annual event exemplifies best practice in collaborative harm minimisation and community engagement, aligning with the objectives of Liquor Accords.
The DV Awareness Cup aims to:
- raise awareness of available family and domestic violence support services
- educate and connect youth, families and the wider community, helping to reduce barriers to reporting domestic violence incidents
- improve safety outcomes for women, children and the wider community.
Since it commenced in 2023, the DV Awareness Cup has expanded to include students from six local schools who participate in a full-day rugby league gala. The event integrates sport with education and outreach, providing a platform for young people to engage directly with domestic violence support services and learn about pathways to assistance. The presence of male and female players from the St George Illawarra Dragons further enhances engagement, helping to break down stigma and encourage open dialogue around domestic violence.
The Shoalhaven Liquor Accord plays a pivotal role in the delivery of this initiative. Accord members contribute funding for essential components including player uniforms, signage, trophies, and transport, ensuring equitable access and full participation. This support reflects a proactive and socially responsible approach by licensed venues to address complex social issues within their communities.
The collaboration between NSW Police, the Shoalhaven Liquor Accord, community support services, and the NRL represents a model of integrated service delivery. It ensures that students, families, and the broader community are provided with timely access to relevant information, support networks, and educational resources. This multi-agency approach strengthens community resilience and contributes to the prevention of domestic and family violence.
The continued success and growth of the DV Awareness Cup highlights the positive impact that Liquor Accords can have in promoting community wellbeing. By supporting initiatives that address social harm, Accord members demonstrate leadership in social impact and community engagement.
Shoalhaven Liquor Accord - South Coast Police District Domestic Violence Awareness Cup
NSW Police from the South Coast Police District, in conjunction with South Coast Group 7 rugby league, developed the DV Awareness Cup as a rugby league round-robin gala day to engage students in domestic and family violence education.
Each team has an allocated bye round. During this time, the team rotates through interactive education sessions. These sessions begin with a talk from NSW Police and continue through a series of interactive stalls, encouraging open dialogue and questions. Topics covered include recognising red flags in relationships, understanding coercive control, the importance of consent, and how to access support services.
The Shoalhaven Liquor Accord provides financial support to enable student participation, covering costs such as transport, uniforms, signage, and trophies. Importantly, given the youth-focused nature of the event, no venue branding is used - members contribute purely for social impact and community connection.
NRL players from the St George Illawarra Dragons attend the event to meet and encourage students. They also select a merit team of standout players who are invited to join them for a one-off training session with the club—an experience that reinforces positive community outcomes and celebrates student achievement.
Families are also encouraged to attend the free event and engage with service providers.