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Hundreds of women, men and children take to the streets this Sunday to say NO TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE!

Got Your Back Sista

Key Facts:

Event: I Run For Her 2026
Date: Sunday, 25 October 2026
Hunter locations: Empire Park, Newcastle, Warners Bay Esplanade and Toronto Hotel.

Regional meetup locations: Coffs Harbour, Canberra, Port Macquarie and Taree.
National participation: Walk or run anywhere in Australia
Who can participate: Everyone — individuals, families, friendship groups, workplaces and sporting clubs
Registration and donations: www.irunforher.com
Hashtag: #IRunForHer

Got Your Back Sista is calling on Australians to lace up their runners and take a stand against domestic and family violence this Sunday, 25 October, as its annual I Run For Her campaign brings communities together to support women and children affected by abuse.

Now in its seventh year, I Run For Her encourages individuals, families, businesses and community groups across Australia to walk or run in solidarity with women who have experienced domestic violence, honour those whose lives have been lost, and raise vital funds to help survivors rebuild their lives.

With no set distance or fitness requirements, participants can walk or run wherever they choose, making it easy for people of all ages and abilities to get involved.

Got Your Back Sista Founder, Melissa Histon, said the campaign is about much more than fundraising. It's about starting conversations, challenging attitudes and reminding women experiencing domestic violence that they are not alone.

"Every woman deserves to feel safe in her own home. Yet for far too many women and children, home is the very place where they experience fear and violence," Ms Histon said.

"I Run For Her is our way of saying enough is enough. It's about communities coming together to say that domestic violence is not acceptable, that we stand with women who have experienced abuse, and that we're committed to being part of the solution."

"Whether you're walking for someone you love, running in memory of someone whose life was taken, or simply wanting to make a difference, every step carries a message of hope and solidarity."

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of Got Your Back Sista, the Newcastle-based charity established in 2016 to support women and children who have experienced domestic and family violence.

Over the past decade, the organisation has supported more than 5,000 women and their children, providing practical assistance, counselling, recovery and healing programs, and pathways towards independence.

"One of the most important things I've learned over the past 10 years is that escaping domestic violence is often just the beginning," Ms Histon said.

"Women need support to heal from trauma, rebuild their confidence and self-worth, and create safe, independent futures for themselves and their children."

"That's why every registration and every dollar raised through I Run For Her is so important. It helps us continue providing the practical and emotional support women need to not just survive domestic violence, but to move forward and thrive."

This year's campaign has also received the support of the Newcastle Knights, with players Mat Croker and Bo Vette-Welsh featuring in the I Run For Her promotional video, encouraging the community to get involved.

Ms Histon welcomed the players' involvement, highlighting the important role men and sporting organisations can play in helping to change attitudes towards domestic violence.

"Domestic and family violence isn't just a women's issue. It's a community issue, and we all have a responsibility to be part of the solution," she said.

"We're incredibly grateful to the Newcastle Knights, particularly Mat and Bo, for getting behind the campaign. When men use their voices to stand against domestic violence, it sends such an important message, especially to younger generations."

This Sunday, participants across the Hunter are encouraged to join I Run For Her gatherings at Empire Park in Newcastle, Warners Bay Esplanade and Toronto Hotel.

Supporters across Australia can organise their own walk or run. Regional meetups are taking place in Canberra, Taree, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie.

Ms Histon hopes the campaign will inspire people to recognise that everyone has the power to make a difference.

"You don't have to be a runner, and you don't have to know someone who has experienced domestic violence to be part of this. You just have to care enough to take a stand."

"Because every woman deserves to know that when she needs help, her community has her back."

Register to walk or run, create a fundraising team, or make a donation at www.irunforher.com.

About us:

About Got Your Back Sista

Established in Newcastle in 2016, Got Your Back Sista is a registered charity providing support to women and children who have experienced domestic and family violence.

The organisation provides an end-to-end service, from crisis support through to recovery and healing. Through practical assistance, counselling and empowerment programs, Got Your Back Sista helps women rebuild their confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing, and create pathways to independence.

Its vision is to see women and their children happy, thriving and living independently, free from abuse.

Website: www.gotyourbacksista.com
Instagram: @gotyourbacksista

Contact details:

MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Brooke Stevenson
Phone: 0407 240 211
Email: [email protected]