NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) figures revealed Wagga had a domestic violence rate of 640.1 per 100,000 people. 

The situation in Junee was even more dire, with a 50 per cent increase to a rate of 714.6 in the same period.

Griffith fared even worse – despite recording no statistical increase – the rate per 100,000 people was an enormous 1057.7.

However, the rates of non-domestic violence related assaults in those areas remained unchanged.

Unsurprisingly, the vast majority of domestic violence assaults occurred in the home, which led Group Captain Ross Jones from Wagga RAAF Base to suspect the situation was even worse than it appeared.

“It’s a very dark part of our society that tends to be covered up,” Group Captain Jones said.

“One of the problems with domestic violence statistics is that there are probably a whole lot more cases that aren’t reported.”

According to both the Australian Institute of Family Studies and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 80 per cent of women who experience current partner violence don’t contact police about it. The same is true with sexual assault – the ABS found 80 per cent of women do not report sexual assault to police.

With just one month until White Ribbon Day, a male-led campaign against domestic and family violence, Group Captain Jones said it was important the crisis was tackled across society.

“As part of our recruitment process we train and reinforce what healthy relationships are and what the signs of unhealthy relationships are – isolation and emotional tactics that can escalate into physical violence,” he said.

“We also talk about bystander behaviour – if you see something you should say something and not just let it go – and we get psychologists in to talk about these issues.

“It can be confronting but it’s a societal problem, we recruit from society, so we have to be sensitive that it does take that moral courage to stand up and say something because you know it’s the right thing to do.”

A White Ribbon Ball will be held at Wagga RSL on November 25 with proceeds going to White Ribbon Australia and Wagga Women’s Health Centre.

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.