Young Police have responded to 25 separate incidents of domestic and family violence so far this month.
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Prior to this month, an alarming 66 incidents were recorded in October and 55 reports were investigated by police in September.
With Friday marking White Ribbon Day, and the beginning of international 16 days of activism against domestic violence, the issue is once again in the spotlight.
Young Domestic Violence Liaison Officer Senior Constable Rennai Kentwell hopes the town recognises the importance of promoting the day.
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“It’s about awareness and education and putting it out there that there’s support,” she said.
”Domestic and family violence is a crime unlike any other. One where the victim experiences violence at the hands of someone they know and trust.”
According to Young police 77 more domestic violence related incidents have been reported in Young this year than last.
Currently 517 domestic incidents have been already reported this year. Twenty-nine per cent of these have resulted in charges and 26 per cent police applied for apprehended violence orders.
Young Police respond to 1.6 domestic violence and family violence incidents per day.
While it’s common for towns to have poor rates of reporting domestic violence, Senior Constable Kentwell said it wasn’t an issue in Young.
“Our reporting rates are high. In Young we have a lot of support services which all work together, and we take it very seriously,” she said.
“We even have a lot of bystanders step up which is a great thing. I think we get just as many witnesses reporting to us as we get victims, which is really good.
“If you witness domestic violence, or if you’ve noticed the behaviour of a family member, friend or colleague change, pick up the phone and call the police.”
Domestic violence services and community groups which support victims of domestic violence in Young are providing a free barbecue outside the Young Town Hall on Friday.
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People can ask questions, talk to representatives from various support groups or simply buy a ribbon.
The public is invited to attend the barbecue lunch from 11.30am till 1.30pm.
Ribbons will also be available.
“It’s time to bring the issue of domestic and family violence out from behind closed doors,” Senior Constable Kentwell said.
“If you are aware this is occurring in your community, you are obliged to report it, like any other crime.
“Preventing domestic violence and family violence is not the responsibility of any one person or agency, it is a whole community effort.”
