Eliminating violence against women is the ultimate goal of the Wagga Women’s Health Centre.

The DV Project: 2650 has been launched to assist with the elimination of Domestic Violence (DV).

This goal should be shared by every organisation and person in Wagga.

However, with 428 people convicted of a domestic violence related offence in Wagga last year, the issue is rife in the city.

The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research also revealed that Wagga is in the top 25 per cent for rates of domestic violence across NSW.

A visit from Rosie Batty earlier this year brought the community together to talk about domestic violence and many people and organisations sprung into action.

“Her visit was really positive,” Women's Health Centre crisis and support worker Julie Mecham said.

“There’s been a great deal of enthusiasm to work out ways to address this issue in our community.

“It will take a little bit more time but there's a range of tactics and strategies to do that (eliminate domestic violence.”

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Wagga Women’s Health Centre funded research highlighted an attitude among some young residents and other groups that violence against women was “sometimes acceptable,” while some of the city were entirely oblivious to the severity of the issue.

“People have to remember that domestic violence is a gender equality issue based around power and control,” Ms Mecham said.

“Eliminating violence against women is the goal and the approach to do that is multifaceted, it’s not just about providing services for victims but addressing violent behaviour.”

In Wagga eight-in-10 victims identified as women and nine-in-10 offenders, men.

While women make up the majority of victims, men haven’t been forgotten by services in Wagga.

There is a dedicated staff member at Family Support Services who provides support to male survivors of domestic violence.

If you want to get involved with the next steps of The DV Project: 2650 email info@dvproject2650.org.au. Lauren Darley-Bentley, a domestic violence campaigner, is coordinating the program.

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