The NSW Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Council

The Domestic Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV) Council (the Council) is a ministerial advisory group which provides timely and expert advice to the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and supports the delivery of key reforms and programs.

The Council is chaired by the Deputy Secretary, Strategy, Policy and Commissioning, DCJ and brings together leaders from non-government DFSV organisations and academia. Karen Bevan, CEO Full Stop Australia, is the current Deputy Chair, which helps to ensure that the Council’s work reflects the views and expertise of the DFSV sector. The Council meets at least three times per year.

Secretariat for the Council is managed by the Office of the Women’s Safety Commissioner. This is consistent with the role of the Women’s Safety Commissioner, Dr Hannah Tonkin, which includes supporting greater connection between government, the DFSV sector and the community.

Current members of the Council include:

• Dr Annie Cossins, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales
• Anne Hollonds, National Children’s Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission
• Christine Robinson, CEO, Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal Women’s Legal Centre
• Danica Leys, CEO, Country Women’s Association NSW
• Delia Donovan, CEO, Domestic Violence NSW
• Eloise Layard, Acting Director, Community Health, ACON
• Karen Bevan, CEO, Full Stop Australia
• Kerry Stubbs, Director, Northcott Innovation
• Leesa Waters, Deputy CEO, NAPCAN
• Lisa Wellington, Executive Manager, Waminda South Coast Women’s Health and Aboriginal Welfare Corp
• Lizette Twisleton, Manager, Men and Family Centre
• Maha Abdo, CEO, Muslim Women Australia
• Mary Karras, CEO, Ethnic Communities Council of NSW
• Philippa (Pip) Davis, Principal Solicitor, Women’s Legal Service NSW
• Sal Dennis, Director, Insight Exchange Foundation
• Violet Roumeliotis, CEO, Settlement Services International