The Disruption Conference
8 September @ 8:00 am - 9 September @ 5:00 pm
disrupt
verb
to prevent something, especially a system, process, or event, from continuing as usual or as expected;
to change the traditional way that an industry operates, especially in a new and effective way;
8–9 September, 2025
On the lands of the Kombumerri Saltwater people, the Gold Coast Domestic Violence Prevention Centre, in partnership with the Gold Coast Domestic Violence Integrated Response (DVIR) will bring together victim-survivors, domestic and family violence specialist organisations and community to focus on how we can disrupt the patterns of abuse and control that is domestic violence.
The Disruption Conference will focus on how we as a community can change, learn and grow in order disrupt, to prevent and to intervene in the domestic violence perpetrated in our community. Joining in with the movement of disruption, attendees will embark on two days of discussion and learning that will demand humility from the systems that have traditionally shown deafness/numbness to survivor voices.
Attendees will learn how they can individually and collectively place shame where it belongs and will dare to imagine patriarchal systems re-organised and led by the rich wisdom and experience of victim survivors.
The Disruption Conference Program
DAY 1 – Monday 8 September
The first day will focus on lived experience and innovation, the day’s program has been developed in partnership with victim-survivors.
Through presentations, panel discussions, and workshops, the conference will address the barriers to accessing support, gaps in current approaches, and opportunities for systemic improvement.
Evening Networking Event
Limited tickets available separately
This high-impact event brings together victim survivors, advocates, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders, who are committed to disrupting the domestic and family violence in their communities. Tickets available separately.
DAY 2 – Tuesday 9 September
The second day is dedicated to the Gold Coast Domestic Violence Integrated Response (DVIR), the conference highlights the power of what a coordinated collective will do to support the safety, wellbeing and agency of victim-survivors and to hold perpetrators accountable.
Featuring a panel discussion on the Gold Coast DVIR and how it began, attendees will be taken on the journey of the last 28 years of the DVIR, what has been achieved and what the future looks like.
By uniting agencies to a common purpose, the Gold Coast DVIR has worked towards consistent, effective responses while fostering a community where respect and safety are paramount. This integrated approach is central to disrupting cycles of violence and creating lasting change.
Attendees will leave empowered with actionable strategies and fresh insights to strengthen responses to DV and create lasting change.
The Disruption Conference is more than just a gathering; it is a call to action for service providers, community leaders, policymakers, and anyone passionate about making a difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence.
Speakers
Beck O’Connor
Victims Commissioner – Office of the Victims Commissioner QLD
Council Member – Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council
Georgina Dimopoulos
Associate Professor of Law and Research Associate,
Centre for Children and Young People, Southern Cross University
Melissa (Petrangelo) Scaia
Domestic Violence Expert and Trainer
Domestic Abuse Project; Global Alliance for Women’s Safety and Equality (GAWSE)
Silke Meyer
Leneen Forde Chair of Child and Family Research,
School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University
More speakers to be announced