The Hills Zero DF V Navbook
A community-led plan for ending domestic and family violence.
Year 1, 2025 Edition
A community-led plan for ending domestic and family violence.
Year 1, 2025 Edition
In February and March 2025, a diverse group of community members and organisations from The Hills came together for the first time to create a shared, community-led plan aimed at eliminating domestic and family violence (DFV).
The Hills ZERO DFV Navbook outlines the community's vision, goals, and activities designed to transform The Hills over the next five years. This resource serves as a guide for prevention efforts throughout the community and a rallying point for anyone who wishes to contribute to making The Hills one of the first communities in Australia to achieve ZERO DFV.
Click Collab™ is a social enterprise founded by Run Against Violence, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the upstream prevention of family violence.
Click Collab™ is co-created by Kirrily Dear and Kerrie Edwards.
Click Collab™, ZERO DFV ™, and all associated concepts outlined in this document are the intellectual property of Run Against Violence and Kirrily Dear and cannot be reproduced without written permission.
We recommend that this document is referenced as follows:
Click Collab. (2025). The Hills ZERO DFV Navbook. Click Collab. © All Rights Reserved 2024-2025
Everyone within The Hills Shire is welcome to participate. If you would like to be invited to future sessions, please ensure you register at www.clickcollab.co/thehills
At CHRG (Castle Hill RSL Group), we believe in the power of community to drive meaningful change. Our funding of the ZERO DFV Pilot Program reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering safer, more connected communities.
Domestic and family violence is an issue that demands a whole-of-community approach, and the ZERO DFV initiative embodies this vision by bringing together individuals, organisations, and resources to create real and lasting impact.
We are proud to stand alongside Click Collab and the The Hills Police in this groundbreaking effort, which not only raises awareness but also provides tangible solutions. Together, we are working to build a future where every person feels safe, valued, and empowered within their community. By uniting our efforts, we can truly make a difference.
We encourage others to join us in championing this critical cause and helping to eradicate domestic and family violence once and for all.
John Payne, President, CHRG (Castle Hill RSL Group)
We acknowledge the Dharug people, the Traditional Owners of the land on which our activities take place in The Hills Shire. We recognise their deep and enduring connection to this land, its waters, and the communities that have existed here for thousands of years. We are committed to promoting respect, fostering understanding, and collaborating with First Peoples in all our endeavours.
We acknowledge that domestic and family violence has a profound impact on adults, children, and young people, particularly within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, those who are sexually and gender diverse, people with disabilities, and individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds. We value, and listen for, the voices of those with lived experience striving for meaningful change.
In the Navbook, we refer to ‘community’ and ‘people’ to describe the full breadth of diversity in The Hills Shire. These terms encompass individuals of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, religions, experiences and abilities.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the following members and organisations of The Hills community for their contributions to the ZERO DFV planning process on which this Navbook is based.
Each of these participants have brought a wealth of community experience and voices into the planning process.
Aileen M
Alice Bullivant
Andy Abey
Anita Fisher
Ashley T
Ben C
Brenda Bradbury
Brigitte L
Bryan Mullan
Rev. Carmel Leraci
Carmen Lalehzari
Carol H
Cathy Tracey
Chloe Nelson
David R
Don Tilley
Elaine Miranda
Emily A
Ema Lou Peterson
Giulia M
Participating organisations
Alive 90.5
Alternatives to Violence Project
B4A Collective
CHRG
Department of Education
Domestic Violence Service
Management
Ema Lou Art Therapy
Glenhaven Public School
Gotcha 4 Life
Hills Community Aid
Glenda Von Wootten
Jenny McGlashan
Kalil P
Krystle
Leanne Wright
Margaret Tipper
Michael H
Michelle T
Pamela Ferris-Svynos
Steven Gabris
Susan Montgomery
Tahnee B
Talia P
Tara G
Terry Scott
Tiana Reedy
Upala S
Vanessa C
Hillsong Church
KinesiAlice
Lisa Harnum Foundation
NewHope Church
NSW Police
Rotary District 9683
Youth Rezolutions (Saints Care)
Soroptimists International (The Hills District)
The Hills Domestic Violence Prevention Network
The Hills Grammar School
The Hills Shire Council
The Kaizen Foundation
The Sanctuary
Uniting Church (Wesley Castle Hill)
WESTIR Zonta International
Many people believe that domestic and family violence (DFV) primarily involves a man physically abusing his spouse or partner. While this is indeed one form of DFV, it represents only part of the broader range of traumatising behaviours that are identified as DFV.
A cycle of traumatising behaviours used to exert power and control over a family member such as a spouse, partner, child, elder, or carer.
Not limited to physical abuse; other examples can include psychological, emotional, spiritual, social isolation and financial abuse, or a combination of these forms. Any pattern of behaviour that makes a person feel unsafe is considered DFV.
Perpetrated by, and upon, people of diverse ages, ethnicities, genders, and educational backgrounds. DFV is not confined to specific segments of the community; anyone can be affected by it.
• Homicide
– Murder
– Attempted murder
– Murder accessory, conspiracy
– Manslaughter
• Assault
– Grievous bodily harm
– Actual bodily harm
– Common assault
• Sexual offences
– Sexual assault
– Sexual touching, sexual act and other sexual offences
*References are located on page 47.
• Abduction and kidnapping
• Intimidation, stalking and harassment
• Malicious damage to property
• Coercive control
• Breach Apprehended Violence Order
The relationship between intimate partners is one situation where people can experience DFV.
Featured on this page is a list of 16 incidents* that may occur within an intimate relationship.
Can you spot which ones are possible indicators of DFV?
Are you in an abusive relationship if your partner... Y N
Causes you to feel afraid or scared of them?
Insists on knowing where you are at all times?
Insists on reading your text messages, emails, or social media?
Loses their temper often?
Insults you in front of others?
Controls how much money you have, and/or how you spend it?
Acts overly jealous?
Threatens or hurts your pets?
Insists you stop seeing friends or family?
Locks you in the house?
Blames you for the way he or she acts?
Repeatedly causes you to doubt your memory of events?
Throws or breaks things to scare you?
Threatens the safety or wellbeing of you or your children?
Hurts you or your children?
Forces you to have sex with them?
*Adapted from: DV Assist’s Am I Experiencing An Abusive Relationship?[3]
All behaviours listed in the quiz indicate abuse may be occurring.
There are also many other behaviours that are not listed on the previous page that constitute DFV.
If you recognise any of these behaviours in your relationships or are concerned about other aspects of your family life it is important to take steps early.
This might involve learning more about healthy relationships, talking one-on-one with an expert, or seeking support to stop using violence or to leave violence.
If there is an immediate threat to your safety or the safety of those around you.
You can also call The Hills Police on 9680 5399 at any time.
Ask to speak with a Domestic Violence Liaison Officer.
Additionally, there are various services in The Hills that can help you gain a better understanding of the health of your relationship and the most effective next steps for you to take.
Local support services are listed on the next page.
Here are some participating organisations that offer pathways to healthier relationships in The Hills Shire.
Lisa Harnam Foundation (Women)
Offers dedicated safe rooms in public places where victims can seek refuge and support. Provision of counselling and case management. Ph:1300 732 848
The Sanctuary Shelter (Women and Children)
Temporary crisis accommodation and support to start a new life. manager@thesanctuaryshelter.org.au
Youth Rezolutions (Young people, 16 - 25 years)
Support and programs that aim to build resilient, independent and healthy young people.
Saints Care Ph: 1300 889 855
Alternatives to Violence Project (Youth & Adults)
Workshops on self-awareness and creative conflict transformation. carmen.lalehzari@gmail.com
Good Men Project (Men & Boys)
Promotes respectful relationships and encourage societal change as positive role models.
Hills Community Aid Ph: 9639 8620
Uplift Womens Support Group (Women)
A safe and welcoming opportunity to connect and support each other through sharing experiences and resources.
Hills Community Aid Ph: 9639 8620
Moving Forward (Women)
Workshops aiming to strengthen and empower women who have been or are currently experiencing DFV.
Hills Community Aid Ph: 9639 8620
14
I want to learn more about healthy relationships I want to talk to someone about my relationships I’m using abusive behaviours and I want to stop I’m experiencing abuse and want it to stop
If you prefer to seek support outside The Hills Shire, here are some national options.
1800RESPECT:
1800 737 732
Mens Referral Service: 1300 766 491
The national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service.
Support services for men using, or at risk of using violent or controlling behaviour.
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
1300YARN: 13 92 76
Elder Abuse Helpline: 1300 651 192
Online counselling service for young people aged between 5 and 25.
Culturally safe crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Information and support services for people who experience or witness the abuse of an older person.
Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Beyond Blue: 1300 264 436
Mental health resources, coaching and counselling.
Every community in Australia, including The Hills Shire, confronts challenges related to domestic and family violence (DFV).
The first step in tackling this issue is acknowledging that it exists. The following data illustrates the extent and characteristics of DFV within The Hills Shire.
2,143
DFV incidents reported to The Hills Police Area Command (PAC) in 12 months to 10th March 2025, according to Superintendent Naomi Moore, Commander of The Hills PAC.
However, most incidents are not reported to police.
National studies have investigated the extent of DFV within our communities. The population estimate of The Hills Shire in 2024 is 215,612*[5].
When these research findings are applied to The Hills Shire, several key statistics emerge.
*References are located on page 47.
According to the 2023 Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS)*[4], 39.2% of Australian children under 18 years old have been exposed to DFV. This equates to over 23,000 in The Hills Shire.
The 2021-22 ABS Personal Safety Survey*[6] estimates 21% of adults have experienced intimate partner abuse since the age of 15.
4,700 + over 65s experienced elder abuse in The Hills in the past 12 months.
Australian Institute of Health and Wealth*[7] research indicates 15% of older Australians experienced abuse in the past 12 months. The most common forms were psychological abuse, neglect, financial abuse and sexual abuse. A slightly higher percentage of women than men experienced abuse.
Superintendent Naomi Moore, Commander of The Hills Police Area Command (PAC), answers some common questions about DFV in The Hills Shire.
During the 12 months leading up to March 2025, the incidents reported to police varied in severity.
A total of 385 assault charges were filed, with 11 of these cases involving strangulation methods. Strangulation is considered a significant indicator of escalating violence, increasing the risk that the perpetrator may commit homicide. Additionally, 50 sexual violence offences were processed, along with 147 breaches of Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVO). Other offences recorded included malicious damage, stalking, and intimidation.
In The Hills, almost half of the population (49.3%) identify as male. However, when it comes to DFV, 66.7% of offenders charged in the 12 months to March 2025, were males over 18 years.
The Hills Police report that only 9.6% of incidents involve alcohol or drugs. Perpetrators use alcohol as an excuse for their violence; it does not cause their actions, they choose to be violent.
Reporting incidents is a crucial and positive step in combating DFV in The Hills. For every DFV-related incident reported, an estimated 26 preceding incidents go unreported. To break the cycle of violence and reduce trauma we need people to report sooner.
Castle Hill had the highest rate of police reporting (15%) in the 12 months to March 2025.
Other suburbs with notable reporting rates include Baulkham Hills (14%), Kellyville (11%), Box Hill (8%), and North Kellyville (8%).
DFV is present in all suburbs within The Hills Shire.
What happens if I report DFV to the
Police will do everything we can to protect victims and break the cycle of violence in family units.
We prioritise repeat victims and target repeat offenders and on a daily basis we conduct ADVO compliance checks to ensure parties are adhering to the conditions of orders and bail conditions. Currently, there are 875 enforceable ADVOs with defendants residing in The Hills Shire.
We attend court appearances and inter-agency meetings to discuss particular cases and further support victims.
Superintendent Naomi Moore (centre) and two Officers of The Hills Domestic Violence Team proudly support the community.
A key priority for the NSW Police Force (NSWPF) and The Hills Police Area Command is the prevention, disruption, and response to domestic and family violence (DFV).
DFV is not only a crime but also a serious community issue that demands a collaborative and coordinated response, leveraging expertise and resources to foster positive change for individuals and the broader community.
As the Commander, I am constantly seeking opportunities to harness our strong community relationships to create a safer Hills district. I wholeheartedly support the Click Collab pilot as a valuable opportunity to collaborate with other passionate stakeholders, achieving tangible outcomes and significant improvements in addressing DFV within The Hills.
Naomi Moore, Superintendent The Hills Police Area Command
Absolutely, it is possible!
A significant portion of DFV arises from a lack of respect and understanding of how to nurture and maintain healthy relationships, whether at home, at work, or in social settings.
While this ambitious goal may take decades to achieve, the journey towards it will yield benefits for everyone. By making healthy relationships the norm in The Hills, we can foster an environment where respect flourishes and we all thrive.
None of us are perfect. We don’t need perfection to reach ZERO DFV.
People will always face challenges in their relationships. How we handle those issues determines whether our relationships remain healthy.
We will reach ZERO DFV when healthy relationships become the accepted norm in The Hills and when people know how to take proactive steps to address relationship problems as they arise.
For the goal of ZERO DFV to be realised, the community must first believe that it is attainable.
As part of The Hills ZERO DFV Community Survey*, respondents were asked the following question:
"Do you believe that ZERO DFV is an achievable goal for The Hills community?"
Eighty-six percent (86%) of respondents indicated that they believe ZERO DFV is possible. This result reflects the foundational work done by the Hills Domestic Violence Prevention Network over the past 30 years.
*See page 31 for more details
We won’t reach Zero DFV overnight but with a clear plan we will get there.
To reach Zero DFV, The Hills is implementing four transformative strategies.
These four strategies focus on the upstream prevention of DFV. They empower a community-wide shift toward healthy relationships and encourage early detection and response to problems, preventing a cycle of abuse and trauma from becoming entrenched.
The community recognises that DFV affects everyone. Hearts and minds are committed to reaching ZERO DFV, and the community is trained to effectively respond when individuals disclose that they are experiencing abuse.
The advantages of healthy relationships are widely promoted in the community and supported by respectful relationship education. Community members celebrate respectful behaviours and are proactive in calling out disrespectful conduct.
People feel valued and can engage in community life. Self-esteem programs, counselling, and support services are widely accessible. We celebrate diversity and culture.
The community is empowered to recognise early signs of abuse and informed about the various support options available. It feels normal to seek help when facing relationship challenges.
Achieving ZERO DFV is an ambitious goal, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of work required. To tackle this challenge, members of The Hills community recently participated in Click Collab's ZERO DFV planning process to unify and focus communityled efforts during the next five years.
Artwork from local Love Bites respectful relationship workshops run by Youth Rezolutions
Representatives of The Hills community recently participated in Click Collab’s Zero DFV planning process.
Click Collab is a social enterprise developed to unify community-led efforts to prevent domestic and family violence.
Over the past decade, awareness of DFV has surged across Australian communities, sparking the rise of community-led prevention efforts such as educational programs, response and support services, advocacy, fundraising events, and rallies.
While the increased momentum is welcome, community stakeholders have identified several emerging challenges hampering the community's progress toward a ZERO DFV future.
These challenges include:
• Poor visibility of all the activity underway
• Scarce resources spread too thin, including people and funds
• Uncertainty about where to focus resources to maximise benefits
• Limited communication between initiatives
• Too much "reinventing the wheel"
• Lots of effort heading in different directions
• Progress is difficult to measure or track
Click Collab addresses these challenges through a six-stage annual process. The national pilot of this process was completed in The Hills Shire in 2025.
Residents, workers, and organisations in The Hills collaborated through the ZERO DFV Community Survey, workshops, and feedback loops to develop plans.
Participants described themselves in the following ways.
with
Q: Do you identify as a person with lived experience of DFV?
To access detailed reports from The Hills ZERO DFV planning process, please email hello@clickcollab.co with your request.
Some participants have a wealth of experience with DFV prevention, others were new to the subject.
Q: Do you work (paid or voluntary) in any of the following DFV prevention settings?
DFV support service
Community group
Federal/state/ local govt
Education
Local business
DFV prevention program
Other
Participants had diverse areas of interest within DFV prevention.
Q: In which areas of DFV prevention are you interested/involved?
They also had varying levels of involvement in DFV prevention.
Q: In the last 12 months, how many Hills DFV prevention initiatives have you or your organisation participated in?
A clear vision is essential for guiding the community's efforts and objectives. When the entire community shares a vision, there is a greater opportunity for all of us to contribute to our collective success.
The community’s shared vision is outlined on the following pages.
Vision: By 2030, respectful relationships are valued as a cornerstone of life in The Hills community.
People of all ages are engaged in open and informed discussions about respectful relationships at home, work, school, and in social settings. Community members are equipped to recognise the early signs of abuse and know how to respond with confidence.
Any community member looking for counselling and support will know how to access programs and services and feel confident in doing so. They will obtain the assistance they need, including financial support if necessary, in a way that ensures the best outcomes.
participating in respectful relationship education programs in the community, such as workplace and social group settings. The community widely recognises that everyone benefits from respectful relationships and enjoys sharing what they have learned with those around them.
Adults in local businesses and organisations are committed to building respectful workplaces. Business leaders ensure access to respectful relationship education, parental leave, flexible working arrangements, and counselling services. They understand how they can best support people impacted by DFV and are rolemodelling respectful behaviours.
When socialising, if a bystander spots any abuse ‘red flags’, they will know how to respond safely. They will check in to see how things are progressing.
Due to increased community-wide conversations and education, more adults will understand that they are at risk of abusing or have abused others. They know they are best to seek help early and who to contact to receive non-judgemental support from qualified counsellors or programs.
Also, resulting from community-wide conversations and education, more adults will recognise that they are at risk of or are experiencing abuse. They understand the importance of reaching out early and who they can confide in, such as friends, community or religious leaders.
In each instance, they will feel believed and supported and offered consistent guidance on navigating the situation. They know to call 000 if their safety is at risk and that the police will respond.
learning about respectful relationships at all levels of schooling. The trusted adults surrounding them are learning alongside them, encouraging meaningful and informed conversations.
When they enter the community, they will experience inclusivity and respectful relationship principles being practised around them. Their local sporting and social settings have a strong culture of safety, equality, and respect, which are consistently modelled by adults.
If a young person discloses that they are experiencing abuse, the trusted adults around them will know how to recognise and respond in a safe and supportive manner. Equally, if abuse is disclosed to a young person, they know how to respond by redirecting to trusted adults and organisations that can help.
When socialising, the young person will feel increasingly comfortable recognising ‘red flags’ and confronting disrespectful behaviour. They have seen the same behaviour demonstrated by adults. They feel comfortable discussing the issue with friends or someone they trust.
Like all communities across the country, The Hills is also impacted by DFV. However, we now have the opportunity to be the first community in Australia to reach ZERO DFV. By co-ordinating our prevention efforts and working towards collaborative goals, sharing programs and resources and supporting each other, we have a real opportunity to reduce DFV long-term.
I am proud that The Hills is again leading the way in creating change.
Dr Michelle Byrne, Mayor
The Hills Shire Council
Respondents to The Hills ZERO DFV Survey were asked to prioritise 16 actionable goals across four areas of community development, focused on primary prevention. Achieving each goal brings the community closer to ZERO DFV.
The survey results were shared during the Strategy Huddle workshop, where participants discussed them and agreed to target the top three ranked goals.
Ensure counselling and support services are accessible.
It is important that everyone in The Hills community can access support when they need it. Some may want help with relationships, while others may seek to boost their self-esteem or get trauma counselling. Some may need one-on-one help to stop using violence or leave an abusive situation. We must provide programs and services that are easy to access, at convenient times and places. These services should be affordable or financial help available.
Upskill the community to recognise and respond to the early signs of abuse/violence.
Most people in The Hills are familiar with the concept of first aid and know how to respond when accidents occur.
The Hills aims to foster a similar response to DFV. People will be equipped with the skills to recognise the signs of abuse and will know how to respond immediately and support that person toward the best possible outcome.
Implement respectful relationship education programs across the community.
Respectful relationship education is becoming increasingly common in schools throughout The Hills, which is a positive step forward. However, to achieve our goal of ZERO DFV, it is essential that all community members have access to this education.
By learning more about respectful relationships, everyone benefits, and our young people can grow up in a community that supports them to thrive.
The groundwork for each of these goals is already in place within The Hills community.
Over the next five years, the focus is on expanding existing initiatives and addressing gaps to ensure significant progress toward ZERO DFV.
This process is referred to as “Scaling Up”.
Goal Squads have been formed to drive projects for each goal.
Throughout the year, Goal Squad members will collaborate using a structured process, enjoying the rewards and satisfaction of achieving outcomes together.
To access detailed Goal Squad plans please email hello@clickcollab.co with your request.
Click Collab provides a fully resourced facilitator to guide the implementation of this plan throughout the year to ensure focus, momentum, progress, and sustainability.
The facilitator will oversee development and implementation of the three prioritised goals outlined in the Navbook. They will review progress against project plans, identify emerging issues, and guide the Goal Squads to ensure alignment with the original intent.
The Goal Squads will provide regular progress reports to The Hills community to share status, solicit feedback and celebrate successes.
Formal reports of progress against both project and ZERO DFV success measures will be published annually via the Navbook and be made available to the community.
Whether you contribute 30 mins or many hours, your participation will help make The Hills one of Australia’s first communities to reach ZERO DFV.
Not everyone has spare time to work on community projects, but everyone can offer good vibes. Register at clickcollab.co/thehills to receive The Hills ZERO DFV newsletter, cheer on the Goal Squads and keep an eye out for any quick jobs you might be able to help with from time to time.
If you’re passionate about ending DFV and have a few hours to contribute each month, consider joining a Goal Squad. Your Squad mates have diverse skills, backgrounds and ages. You will fit right in! Visit clickcollab.co/thehills to register your interest in joining a Goal Squad.
Building awareness in the community of The Hills vision to achieve ZERO DFV is a vitally important part of the journey. If you’re a school, business, social group or a motivated individual we’ve got great projects for you to engage with during the year. Visit clickcollab.co/thehills and register your interest in helping to promote the ZERO DFV message. 3
4
There are many DFV services and programs in The Hills that are always looking for motivated individuals to help with fundraising. If your organisation has an upcoming event, or if you are someone who wants to gather support from friends and family, register at clickcollab.co/thehills to get started.
It all begins by clicking in at clickcollab.co/thehills
Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety. (2024). Lessons from Implementing community-based primary prevention. Available from: https://www.anrows.org.au/
Click Collab. (2024). The Hills Shire Pilot Overview: Unifying communities efforts to reach ZERO DFV. Available from: clickcollab.co
Click Collab. (2025). The Hills Goal Squad Report. Available from: clickcollab.co
Click Collab. (2025). The Hills Strategy Huddle Report. Available from: clickcollab.co
Commonwealth of Australia. Department of Social Services. (2022). National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022 - 2032. Available from: https://www.dss.gov.au/
NSW Government. Department of Communities and Justice. (2024). Pathways to Prevention. NSW Strategy for the prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence 2024 - 2028. Available from: https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/
[1] Relationships NSW. (2024). What Are the Different Types of Domestic Violence? https://www.relationshipsnsw. org.au/blog/types-of-domestic-violence/
[2] NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research. (2025). NSW Domestic Violence Statistics. https://bocsar.nsw. gov.au/topic-areas/domestic-violence.html
[3] DV Assist. (2025). Quiz: Am I in an abusive relationship? https://dvassist.org.au/am-i-experiencing-domesticviolence/quizzes/am-i-in-an-abusive-relationship/
[4] Haslam D, Mathews B, Pacella R, Scott JG, Finkelhor D, Higgins DJ, Meinck F, Erskine HE, Thomas HJ, Lawrence D, Malacova E. (2023). The prevalence and impact of child maltreatment in Australia: Findings from the Australian Child Maltreatment Study: Brief Report. Queensland University of Technology. Available from: https://www.acms. au/our-resources/.
[5] Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2021). The Hills Shire, Census All persons Quick Stats. Available from: https:// abs.gov.au/.
[6] Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2021-22). Personal Safety Survey. Partner violence. ABS. Available from: https:// www.abs.gov.au/.
[7] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2025). Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence, Older People. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/family-domestic-and-sexual-violence/population-groups/older-people