A 38-year-old Mount Austin man was arrested and refused bail after the incident, to face Wagga Local Court on Monday, but police were left shocked at the severity of the vicious assault which left the woman with extensive facial fractures.

Acting Inspector Phil Malligan from Wagga Local Area Command said it was part of an “extremely concerning” spike in domestic violence-related assaults, which left victims significantly injured.

Wagga police respond, on average, to between 10 and 16 domestic violence incidents every 24 hours, Acting Inspector Malligan said. Of those, a large percentage of offenders were reportedly under the influence of amphetamines such as ice, other prohibited drugs or alcohol.

The shocking rate of violence against women is one of the reasons Acting Inspector Malligan is an ambassador for White Ribbon Day, a male-led campaign against domestic and family violence. This year, a White Ribbon Gala Ball has been organised to focus a spotlight on violence against women and support victims in need of support.

“Women displaced by domestic violence are subject to mental and physical trauma and I felt we needed to get some male role models together to assist Wagga Women’s Health Centre,” Acting Inspector Malligan said.

“Part of the reason we’ve chosen the centre as a beneficiary is they help victims through counselling, dealing with physical and mental injuries, even helping change bank accounts for these women who are out of their homes through no fault of their own.”

The seed of the high-profile gala event was planted on White Ribbon Day last year.

“Between November 25, 2014 and November 25, 2015 there were 103 female victims of domestic violence-related homicide across Australia,” Acting Inspector Malligan said.

“At last year’s event we asked the men to tie a white ribbon for each victim at Wagga Women’s Health Centre while the names were read out, but there were so many the men had to go and tie a second ribbon as well.

“It was quite confronting to see so many women had died as a result of domestic violence.”

1800 MYLINE (for young people)

1800 MYLINE (1800 695 463 and www.1800respect.org.au) is a support service for young people. Qualified and experienced counsellors can provide information and refer young people to services available in their area that can help. Counsellors are available 24/7, over the phone or online.

1800 RESPECT

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732 and www.1800respect.org.au) is the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. People can call this number or go online to access counselling delivered by qualified, experienced professionals, 24/7.

Kids Helpline

Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelp.com.au) provides free, private and confidential telephone and online counselling for young people aged five to 25 years. Kids Helpline counsellors are available 24/7.

Lifeline

Lifeline (13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au) provides confidential crisis support and suicide prevention services. Anyone experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide can contact Lifeline 24/7.

The Line

The Line’s website www.theline.org.au and Facebook page www.facebook.com/theline informs and supports young people on a range of topics, including sex, relationships, respect and more.

Mensline

Professional support and information service for Australian men. 24/7 phone and online services. Phone 1300 78 99 78.

Men’s Referral Services

MRS provides anonymous and confidential telephone counselling, information and referrals to men to help them take action to stop using violent and controlling behaviour. Phone 1300 766 491.

NAPCAN

Go to the Urgent Help section of the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) website for contact details of agencies which assist with reporting child abuse and neglect.

Go to http://dvrcv.org.au/talk-someone/services-other-states for a list of services available in all states and territories.