Rugby League Tackles Domestic Violence Awareness In Hunter Region

DV Awareness Cup Expands To Engage Young People Through Sport

Rugby league is once again being used as a powerful tool to promote respect, healthy relationships and domestic violence prevention, with the NSW Police Domestic Violence Awareness Cup expanding into the Hunter region for the first time.

The initiative, originally established by the South Coast Police District Crime Prevention Unit in 2023, has grown significantly and now includes events in the Hunter region and Sydney’s St George area. The expansion reflects the success of the program in creating meaningful conversations around domestic and family violence among young people and the wider community.

Held at Lakeside Sports Complex in Raymond Terrace on June 4, the event brought together approximately 150 students aged 15 and 16 from six Hunter region schools: Callaghan College, Cardiff High School, Francis Greenway High School, Hunter River High School, Mount View High School and Rutherford Technology High School.

The DV Awareness Cup combines a community rugby league gala day with education and support services, creating an environment where young people can learn about respect, responsibility and available support networks while participating in sport.

Students took part in a round-robin rugby league competition throughout the day, while community organisations and support agencies hosted information stalls offering resources, guidance and assistance for those affected by domestic and family violence.

Adding to the occasion were special guests Newcastle Knights NRLW player Yasmin Meakes and former NRL premiership winner and welfare officer Andrew Ryan, who attended to encourage students and reinforce the event’s key messages.

Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism Yasmin Catley said sport provides a unique opportunity to engage young people in important conversations.

“Sport brings people together like little else. It creates opportunities for honest discussions about respect, healthy relationships and personal responsibility,” Ms Catley said.

She noted that while police continue responding to record levels of domestic violence across New South Wales, prevention remains a critical priority.

“Stopping violence before it starts requires education in schools, sporting clubs and communities. When young people see police as partners in prevention, it helps build trust and reinforces the message that violence is never acceptable.”

Northern Region Commander and Corporate Sponsor for Alcohol Related Crime, Assistant Commissioner David Waddell, said the event provided an ideal setting to connect young people with support services and positive role models.

“The DV Awareness Cup creates a safe and welcoming environment where teenagers can learn about making responsible decisions and understand the consequences of harmful behaviours,” Assistant Commissioner Waddell said.

“Police are committed to educating young people about the risks associated with alcohol misuse, violence and family violence. Early intervention and education can play a significant role in preventing future harm.”

Port Stephens-Hunter Police District Commander Superintendent Wayne Humphrey said rugby league offered an effective platform to deliver messages that resonate with young people.

“By using a sport that many students are passionate about, we can engage them in discussions about healthy relationships, respect and standing up against domestic and family violence,” Superintendent Humphrey said.

“Awareness and early intervention are vital in challenging behaviours that contribute to violence and helping build safer communities.”

DrinkWise Chief Executive Officer Simon Strahan said the organisation was proud to support an initiative that combines community engagement, education and sport.

“The DV Awareness Cup demonstrates how sport can bring people together while creating opportunities to educate, connect and support young people and their families,” Mr Strahan said.

As the program continues to expand across New South Wales, organisers hope the combination of sport, education and community support will help foster respectful relationships and empower young people to become advocates for positive change within their schools, sporting clubs and communities.