TAKE ACTION
Join the Coalition to show the NSW Government that this issue can no longer be ignored.
The Safe Love Coalition is dedicated to promoting a coalition that advocates for better services for LGBTIQA individuals who are victims of domestic violence. By mobilising involvement from all different aspects of the public, our goal is to increase services for LGBTIQA individuals looking to seek help, and to end domestic violence for this silenced constituency.
The Coalition is also directly targeting domestic violence support services to help them understand and identify the additional barriers the LGBTIQA community face. We are also helping the LGBTIQA community understand how domestic violence affects them and tackling the myths that keep victims silent. Find out more about our resources for domestic violence support services and the LQBTIQA community here.
The Safe Love Coalition also provides an opportunity for service providers and those in the LGBTIQA community to connect with one another and share their experiences. Through learning from each other, we can develop a better understanding of best practice from the ground up.
There are many ways to get involved, whether you are part of an LGBTIQA advocacy group, or an individual that wants to help. By joining the coalition you will generate a larger voice to address the problems facing the LGBTIQA individuals suffering from domestic violence. Get involved to share your experiences and become part of the solution now.
Petition for change!
Legislative Assembly Petitions are more traditional, yet effective way to get parliamentary attention and involvement in an issue. Petitions can only be presented by Member of the legislative assembly and heard at each sitting day. It is for this reason that petitioners should contact their local member to request the presentation of their petition. A successful petition can create traction and involvement of a minster/political party, on a particular issue, advocating its public relevancy to parliamentarians.
Read the Rules of the FORM and CONTENT of Petition carefully before you submit a petition.
Contact the Legislative Assembly Table Office on 02 9230 3505 before you bring a petition and if you have any questions before submitting your petition to your local member.
Letter to the Minister
A great way to voice your concerns regarding the lack of support services, information and consideration of LGBTIQA Domestic Violence, is through a ministerial letter.
You can choose to address the letter to your local MP or perhaps directly to the NSW Minster for Women the Hon. Prudence Goward MP. Here are a few tips to help you write a letter that will stand out and make a difference.
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Addressing your letter to the CORRECT PARTY: In the top left hand corner of the letter make sure you set out the name [including the correct title] of the Minster.
Links below to correct titles:
State: https://www.nsw.gov.au/your-government/cabinet
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Being CONCISE is key: Be mindful that Ministers receive thousands of letter.
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PERSONALISE your letter: Make the letter your own and make sure you are well informed of the current status of your issues in the political / public arena and state why this is of concern to you.
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Be POLITE and RESPECTFUL: Do not use any insulting, demeaning or abusive language in your letter as you may be criminally liable.
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Action that is in the MINISTER’S POWER: Make clear what you think is the required action(s) of the Minister but within reason of their position in parliament. Or you can simply ask that they reply to your letter.
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PATIENCE and PERSISTENCE is key: Be aware of the time needed to receive and respond to a letter by a ministerial office (between a few weeks to a month). If a month has gone past and you are yet to receive a response you can telephone the MP’s office. Remind them that you have sent a letter and when you should expect a response. If another fortnight goes past you can telephone again and then keep trying till you receive a response. Just remind polite and your persistence will pay off.