29 March 2019

Working to end domestic violence

In light of the domestic violence reforms set out in the Residential Tenancies Amendment (Review) Act 2018, Domestic Violence NSW (DVNSW) was named REINSW’s 2019 community partner.

Since 1 January 2019, 15 women and three children have been killed in domestic violence incidents. The women were aged between 21 and 92 years old and the children were all under one year old.

While 40 men have been killed since the beginning of the year – more than 2.5 times as many than women – only 10 per cent of these deaths are the result of domestic violence.

“Domestic violence is a shameful aspect of our culture,” says Leanne Pilkington, REINSW President. “I chose DVNSW as REINSW’s community partner to further highlight domestic violence in our community.

“Real estate agents spend a lot of time in people's homes and engaging with families. They have a unique insight into peoples' lives, and we have a responsibility to offer support where we can, and where it is safe to do so.”

Connecting victims with support

DVNSW is the peak representative body for a range of specialist domestic and family violence services across NSW.

It works on behalf of its members which represent over 50 organisations across the state, including:

Specialist domestic and family violence services
Community and women’s health organisations
Community legal services specialising in working with victim-survivors
Non-government organisations that work primarily with victim-survivors

“With the introduction of new laws to better protect victims of family and domestic violence on 28 February 2019, REINSW is proud to partner with DVNSW to empower victims to escape situations of family and domestic violence,” says Pilkington.

REINSW has committed to raising $25,000 for DVNSW in 2019. The funds raised will assist DVNSW to achieve their vision of a world where women, families and communities live free from violence, have equal rights and opportunities and the freedom to reach their potential.

How can you get involved?

As part of this partnership, REINSW will contribute a portion of funds raised at events to DVNSW, including:

Novice Auctioneers Competition (NAC) | The NAC is a platform for participants to try their hand at auctioneering. Each participant auctions a luxury item of their choice with funds raised in the heats and the final going directly to DVNSW.
Women in Real Estate (WIRE) conference | Every year, agents from across the State gather in Sydney for REINSW's WIRE conference. With past speakers including Em Rusciano, Leigh Sales and Mia Freedman, WIRE is a highly anticipated event that delivers practical industry insights, strategies for success and professional and personal inspiration. REINSW donates $10 from each ticket sale to DVNSW, plus funds raised at the event charity auction.
Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner | REINSW's Awards for Excellence program recognises the best, boldest and brightest the real estate industry has to offer. It is real estate's peak awards program, based on true merit and contribution to the industry. REINSW contributes $10 from the sale of each ticket for the Awards Gala Dinner to DVNSW.

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